Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The trip to the Sahara at sunrise (so beautiful and tranquil) and also sleeping under the stars (I saw 12 shooting stars). I also enjoyed the walk to the Top of Todra Gorge (seeing some three week old kids - baby goats) - the views were amazing and it was a great sense of achievement.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was friendly, concerned for our safety and knowledgeable. I would say that he wasn't very forthcoming with volunteering information about the different places we visited (if you asked him a question he wouldn't mind answering it but as a guide I wouldn't expect him to be more proactive). On previous exodus trips the guide has spoken on the coach at length about: - what I will be happening during the day and also - has given some background to the history and religion of the country and then - when at the destination, provided us with his comprehensive knowledge of the place we were visiting. I appreciate an official guide was needed in some places. I would have appreciated some guidance on haggling/good places to buy - as when asked he never give his opinion.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There were not many opportunities to have laundry done. Take a bank card that is ease to use and ATMs and doesn't charge you as there were not many opportunities to actually go into banks/hotels and exchange money. Although you pay a single person supplement there are 4 nights out of 14 where you will need to share (whilst I didn't mind this I think it could have been made clearer). It is a level 2 fitness ensure that you can walk up a hill reasonably well - it was a gentle pace but a couple of people struggled with a gentle incline and had to go back to the hotel.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views every day, and also the moon rise over the Aiguille as we were there during the full moon phase.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jenny was a good leader with a group of varying ability. Lots of local information and knowledge was imparted and different mountains and peaks pointed out. Practical information as to whether water could be replenished during the walk and so on was good. Yes you could come here and do the walks on your own but so much would be missed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walks are not long days (in late September lots of the lift infrastructure is closed which to some degree will limit what can be done - but to no detriment of the week) but in my opinion experienced walkers will not find it challenging. At the end of the season expect the differences in temperature to be quite wide from a frost in early morning to 20+ degrees C in the afternoon. Experienced walkers will probably want to go walking on their rest day and you would have time to do the walk from the Aiguille mid lift station to the Mer de Glace via Signal Forbes and have time to visit the ice grotto, have lunch at the Hotel Montenvers and catch a train down to Chamonix if you had a late(ish) paragliding trip booked. The walk is worth it alone for the aerial view over the Mer de Glace and you get the added bonus of looking over the Chamonix Valley at mountains you have or will be walking on.

Most Inspirational Moment

The surrounding views, seeing Mont Blanc for the first time and of course, Lac Blanc. The treck up the mountain was definitely with it for the views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jenny was great, very knowledgeable about the surrounding areas and the mountains. It was interesting to hear all about her previous experiences up the mountains etc, however it did sometimes feel the walks were a bit rushed and that we were on a mission to get back to the chalet for 4pm. It was a shame that we spent a short while getting up the moutain, to enjoy the views for a short time, i.e. Lac Blanc.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you train and build muscle strength in your quads. Walking will seem much more comfortable when you're ascending as some steep areas can be difficult.

Most Inspirational Moment

The land-based whale watching was incredible. I honestly could not believe how close to shore the whales would be. The game drives were also amazing and I loved the cheeky little penguins on Boulders Beach. The botanical gardens at Kirstenbosch are worth a visit too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Justin was fab. His knowledge of the country, history, animals, birds etc was excellent and he brought it all to life by sharing details of his family life and growing up in South Africa. Justins passion and enthusiasm for his country was infectious. Watch out for his wicked sense of humour!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Think about doing some of the additional activities. I did the additional game drive that was offered - very reasonable cost, we saw lots of animals and had a delicious meal included. The kayaking at Tsitsikamma was hard work but fun.

Most Inspirational Moment

Lovely walks. Good to discover such good quality prosecco.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good leader. Good fun and well organised. Enjoyed her music on our bus journeys.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring small change for the water machine,1, 5 and 10 cents. 1 litre of fizzy water 7 cents - really nice and cold.

Most Inspirational Moment

When adversity struck in the form of record bora winds I was impressed with the way the group pulled together, helping my girlfriend and I with first aid for our bumps, scrapes and shock. And our leader, Zeljko Zarak, kept everyone together, safe and calm. He got us into a sheltered space and then shepherded us to a nearby inn for warm drinks and comfort while he organised transportation. This wasn't easy as this was a real emergency in that part of Croatia. We heard later about an emergency rescue for other hikers and reports of a windsurfer missing and presumed dead. All the locals said this was very early for the bora winds and that they were stronger than anything in the past 100 years. Roads were closed but Zeljko was able to arrange vans to get us safely back to our hotel.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zeljko Zarak was excellent, very personable and helpful. He also provided excellent on the area, its history and politics.

Most Inspirational Moment

The local children running out to shout hello as we cycled past. Seeing elephants in the wild was pretty magical too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

It was no surprise to find out that Suresh is one of Exodus's top cycle leaders. Nothing was too much trouble for Suresh including tracking down clothes that people had left at hotels or cafes along the way! He was funny, sociable, totally in control of all aspects of the trip and I felt safe in his care. I should add that the whole team were great and always had a smile of their faces whilst looking after us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You can't underestimate how tough the heat can be. Get as fit as you can before coming on this holiday and you will get more out of it. The tuk tuks and local buses are bonkers and you need eyes in the back of your head sometimes! Cycling through busy towns was only a very small part of the cycling but I would recommend that you feel confident cycling in heavy traffic.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Mont Blanc from Punta Helbronner cable Car station.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Good judgement in all his decisions.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read Exodus instructions carefully, follow them thoroughly.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling from the hotel in Vienna directly to the hotel in Bratislava in a day. Not difficult but very statisfying.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want to see Prague go a few days early, as there is not really anytime to sight see on the trip. There are a lot of hills on the first few days. Even though you will say in 3 and 4 start hotels they tend not to have any soap or shampoo in the rooms.

Most Inspirational Moment

Experiencing Etna at close range.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was very good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware that climatic and volcanic conditions can affect the itinerary; we couldn't get to Stromboli because of adverse windage. We got to over 3000m on Etna and it was chilly when we stopped for lunch so be prepared.