Reviews

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.

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14469 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Hicham Messaoudi

Reviewed December 2018

EBS Nov 18- Disappointment

Overall the trip to Base Camp is a great trip however, Exodus spoiled the trip for me and my fellow travellers by a mercenary attitude to money. Demanding a tip of £50 per person all the all the way of the trip. The musty rooms smelled like old socks and it was so dirty that you didn’t want to touch anything. I also slept in a sleeping bag on top of the bed. Not really sure what to say about the TOILETS! they were revolting, if you ask someone to clean them, you will be ignored. There are many other examples of this during. In short, I will never travel with Exodus again.

Most Inspirational Moment

The musty rooms smelled like old socks and the toilets were revolting!

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank Hicham and Chris (review below) for their feedback, but we would like to apologise that they felt undue pressure to tip staff during their trip. Tipping is very much a part of the culture in Nepal, especially on trekking trips. Whilst, therefore, tips are of course gratefully received by our tour leaders and local staff, tipping should always be completely discretionary, and no pressure should ever be placed on clients to tip. We have asked our local manager to ensure their leader, Ajay, receives additional English lessons to ensure he is using correct grammar, so that when he is discussing tips with clients, his queries are not conveyed as a demand; we trust this will prevent any misunderstanding going forward. Owing to their remote location, teahouses are basic, but all of the lodges used by Exodus are regularly visited and we always try to select the best available based on accommodation, hygiene and food standards. We are, however, sincerely sorry for the poor conditions which Hicham has reported experiencing during his trip. Jenny Cox – Product Manager.

Judy Pogson

Reviewed December 2018

An incredible trip

I have been on a few trips with Exodus but this was by far the best! It had everything packed into it and we saw some beautiful parts of such a diverse country. The trip was amazing from wildlife including elephants and lions in the wild, whale watching, ostrich farms, beautiful and an abundance of birds and oh what stunning scenery. There was a bit of everything and we did all the main attractions in Cape Town and such and interesting and poignant trip to the Township with someone who lived there. There was time to do some fab hikes to see gushing waterfalls and the vineyard was beautiful with some fantastic wines. Every hotel or guest house we stayed in was perfect for the place we were in and food and restaurants we had/went to were chosen carefully by Justin, our amazing Trip leader and his recommendations for food and wine were spot on so we ate like kings! Justin was the perfect Trip leader and made the trip what it was and I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it.

Most Inspirational Moment

The game reserve we went to was fantastic and we saw the big 5 which was delightful. Afterwards we enjoyed the camp fire and delicious food. I also loved the whale watching when we were lucky enough to see a whale and her calf...it was right at the end of the season so such a treat. I also loved going to Hermanus but it's difficult to choose my most inspirational moment as there were several.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Justin Barr is an excellent group leader. Not only is he fun, passionate about his country, as well as being very knowledgeable about most things in S.Africa and I learnt so much, he is also good at speaking as well as articulate but interesting as well. He is very well organised and so everything ran smoothly and nothing is too much trouble for him. He just gets on with everyone and is very approachable and personable and I have to say, the best group leader I've had so far. I'm pretty sure he makes the trip what is it and chose some excellent hotels and guest houses, restaurants and always gave good advice. 5 stars for Justin.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try to do all the extra trips on offer including any hikes you can. Go to the amazing botanical gardens in Cape Town and if possible stay an extra few days to spend more time in Cape Town. Do the hikes and watch out for all the amazing wildlife. Sample as much of the unusual food on offer such as crocodile and ostrich and the delicious wines.

Simon Owens

Reviewed December 2018

Awesome and Inspirational Trek!

Great credit to our Exodus leader Jaite (Ajay) and Kaji and Cami and the rest of his great team. Lead by example and really looked after the group in our quest to conquer reaching EBC. The trek from start to finish was an amazing adventure with like minded friends In our group that made the trek even more enjoyable amongst a beautiful landscape. But also at times not to be taken in small measures because it can be forgiving when unexpected on the terrain and challenge in front of you but amazing experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first sight of Everest from afar on the trek and then thinking “that’s where we are heading” mind blowing! Reaching EBC the physical attributes and reaching a new altitude for the first time. Into the thin air!

Thoughts on Group Leader

A leader with great attributes to making sure that the safety and welfare of the group were always at the forefront of his mind by the constant checking along the way on the trek. Always had time for the group and was very very funny and liked to sing his own little melody that we all adopted by the end of the trek! Jaite and his team were a pleasure to be with on the journey!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, prepare yourself well whatever time of the year you go! This trek is an amazing one to complete and tick off the list, but make sure that you have all the correct gear to cope with the cold mostly at nights and early morning starts. Lastly - “go for it”I would recommend this trek for all its iconic mantra and challenge. “Superb”

Pam Peers

Reviewed December 2018

Magnificent trek!!

This is a wonderful trek in the Langtang Valley and to the mythical Gosainkund Lane. We enjoyed the most spectacular mountain views and had the privilege of witnessing at first hand the resilience and positivism of the wonderful Nepali people who are rebuilding their communities after the devastation of the 2015 earthquake.

Most Inspirational Moment

The mountain vista from the ridge on the way to Gosainkund Lake was stunning - absolutely awe-inspiring in its range and beauty. We had the honour of visiting, at Kyanjin Gompa, one of the Exodus-supported projects - a residence for elderly people left entirely without family support as a result of the earthquake. This was a humbling and uplifting experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had the privilege of travelling with Valerie Parkinson and of benefitting from her extensive knowledge of the history and culture of Nepal and India. Her after-dinner talks were both interesting and amusing and often had eavesdroppers from other trekkers in the teahouses. The local leaders were all excellent and worked very well as a team to meet our every need. They were supportive and encouraging and ensured that we all managed even the most challenging parts of the trek.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take warm clothes and sleeping bags. It was very cold at the higher altitude. A laundry service is available at Kyanjin Gompa, so you don't need to carry many changes of clothes. There's an excellent bakery and coffee shop there too. This is an excellent trip! Don't hesitate to book

Irene Neilson

Reviewed December 2018

Stunning mountain scenery- even for Nepal!!

The mountain scenery on this trek is truly inspiring. On the first part of the trek you have Langtang Lirung lofting over you while on the second part-if you are lucky with the weather, you have a truly stunning panoramic view of the Annapurna, Hinalchulu, Manaslu Himal, Ganesh Himal and Langtang Himal again. Finally just as you think it can’t get any better you have a wonderful vista of the Jugal Himal and the Everest Himalaya from Tharepati. And yes you can just make out Everest herself!! The best mountain scenery I have ever seen on a trek incl EBC.

Most Inspirational Moment

The panoramic view near Gosainkund as the huge mountain peaks of Nepal floated above a sea of white cloud which hid the valley floor. The climb up Kyanjin Ri and Klymoshung Ri above Kyanjin Gompa which -though tough- immersed you in fantastic glacial scenery with views extending to the mountains of the border with Tibet. Seeing Everest from Tharepati.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Valerie as ever was excellent- the patience of a saint, great humour and fascinating knowledge. Plus she is a wonderful storyteller, making for very enjoyable evenings.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Except for a few of the lodges the accommodation on this trek really is pretty basic. Be prepared and have the headtorch and loo paper handy. Food is generally good though snacks are essential as distances between lodges vary. It can be bitterly cold at night. We had one bad day when the mist set in which also made it feel (and look) cold. Can be very warm in daytime so layering essential. Gloves critical esp early morning.

Pauline Davies

Reviewed December 2018

Amazing!

I overused the word amazing on this trip which far exceeded my expectations because of the spectacular nature of the country.
It really is an excellent way to see so many totally different parts of the country in a short space of time.
The variation in climate from the Atacama Desert down through the Lake District and to Patagonia was huge and, hence, the spectacular scenery and wildlife. Go for it!

Most Inspirational Moment

So hard to pick but I think it has to be Patagonia. I highly recommend exiting via the optional zodiac trip! In reality, the inspiration to visit Chile on this trip comes from the diversity that you experience. I have a myriad of colourful images and experiences in my head that will last with me for a very long time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ignacio was friendly with everyone and imparted a wealth of knowledge about his beloved Chile. He knew people all around the country which helped and he helped individuals in the group with any issues such as money, health, eating etc.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack with layers. You need sun protection everywhere....I used long sleeved shirts and light trousers, sunhat and trainers in the desert. But, also, it was minus 10 at the start of the geyser day so you start with fleece hat, warm jacket, etc. Patagonia was actually warmer than I expected and you don't need full on English winter walking gear but still go with the layers. I managed it all in about 16kg but it's worth planning what you take. Waterproof trousers add an extra layer of warmth and wind proofing but can be removed later in the day. We took anti mossie spray but didn't need it much...so, have some but it's not a great problem at this time of year. Take paracetamol.....helps to ward off altitude sickness in the desert....but, mainly, follow the advice of the guide to breathe deeply and go slow! Only 1 of our party was affected and it didn't last long.

Ian Munro

Reviewed December 2018

Vietnam Adventure beginning 17 November 2018

This was a fantastic trip, which covered a lot of distance and a wide variety of sights, activities and modes of transport. Our excellent leader, Cong Nguyen, managed the whole trip exceptionally well, ensuring that we had sufficient free time to allow us to relax from the busy schedule of travelling and activities. He was also knowledgeable and genuinely enthusiastic about the history and culture of Vietnam. We learned a lot from him. The standard of accommodation throughout the fortnight was excellent and the friendliness of the Vietnamese people was so welcoming. We even learned how to cross the street – a task which turned out to be a lot less dangerous than it first appeared (well, OK, a little less dangerous!) Finally, everything you ever heard about the fantastic food is correct!

Most Inspirational Moment

Night time on the boat in Halong Bay, with lights all around us from other vessels. The beauty of Hoi An Getting away from the popular tourist sights and seeing some of the real Vietnam The quality and abundance of the fruit, herbs and vegetables The feeling of bustle, dynamism and progress in the country in general

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cong was extremely efficient and personable. Our group was the maximum size of 16 and he managed to cater well for everyone's needs and expectations. His knowledge and enthusiasm for his country were clear for all to see and we really enjoyed the insights that he gave us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Cash machines are much more available than we had expected and quite a number of establishments are happy to take cards. Wifi is widely available. If you like coffee, you'll love it in Vietnam! We found the trip notes to be very accurate , so it's worth studying those along with other feedback comments on this website. The pace of the trip is stated to be 'leisurely/moderate'. While that is undoubtedly correct in terms of the physical activity undertaken, bear in mind that there is a lot of travelling and some fairly long days. Having said that, our leader was adept and giving us free time to relax and the accommodation was always comfortable and pleasant.

Georgina Mackintosh

Reviewed December 2018

Fantastic experience

This trip exceeded my expectations. It was exceptional in pretty much every aspect. The variety and quantity of animals we saw were exceptional – thanks to our brilliant guide, the locations we camped in and the high quality of local guides and trackers. The back up team made wild camping an amazingly comfortable experience – putting up and dismantling our tents, transporting all our luggage and producing the most delicious and satisfying meals from an open fire and the ‘ magic’ kitchen in the back up vehicle. The long distance travel in the open sided safari truck was a bit of a trial at times but all part of the the Botswana experience and outweighed by the arrival at a beautiful location to camp.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many, but the Okavango Delta and Moremi stand out in terms of places and animals but the simplicity of the whole wild camping experience, with no wi-fi, no 'modern' amenities and rising at sunrise and going to bed after sunset was the most wonderful antidote to the mania of our lives. Truly magical.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ngande's experience, knowledge and organisation were exceptional - and he is a really nice guy too! He was good humoured, sensitive to individuals needs and made us feel very safe - especially when up close to the animals!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want an adventure that removes you totally from the stresses of modern life this is an ideal trip.

Linda Hawe

Reviewed December 2018

Costa Rica Discovery

First Exodus women’s tour and every part of it was fantastic!! We had a wonderful guide who could not have been more knowledgeable or helpful and funny. Torteguero was the highlight on the boat in the primal rainforest. However we covered 7 different ecosystems all different and exciting. Loved the bird life we did get to see a lot. I definitely recommend this trip it was so interesting. The watch outs were the zip lines are high and you need warm clothing for the Savegre as it is so high.

Most Inspirational Moment

Wildlife and the different ecosystems. Plus the visit to local lady and her farm.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Amazing, Katie is inspirational and freely shared so much with us, on many subjects. Also brilliantly organised, always checking on our welfare and organised extra activities as well. She is fabulous.

Frances Leff

Reviewed December 2018

Fantastic, once in a lifetime!

Hard, but a wonderful experience. We became a great team – the group and our guides. The key to making it to Base Camp!

Most Inspirational Moment

Making it to Base Camp. One of our guides Kaji had summited Everest 8 times, it was amazing having him with us. It was fantastic being able to ask him so many questions. An inspirational man. Coffee/lunch in Namche Bazaar was a lovely treat on the way down.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Superb, we all had total trust in him. He looked after us incredibly well. He made us into a great team. Nothing was too much trouble. He also had a great sense of humour and was a lovely man.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's very, very cold at night in late November/early December. Don't expect luxury - you are in a remote location!

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