Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

I don't know which bit to pick, it could have been sitting in a canoe with two lions up on the bank above us, or being so close to the elephants as they stood feeding on the bank, maybe it was watching the beautiful Carmine Bee Eaters nesting in the river banks or on a more human note the faces of the children we met at the village. I do know that it wasn't the hippos - mean big scary beasties they are! Also sitting on the sand bank, cold beer in hand, watching the last rays of the sun with new friends comes pretty close.

Thoughts on Group Leader

CB and Carlos - well there aren't enough words to describe how exceptionally good these two guys are. CB is a very experienced guide, good with people, so knowledgeable and with a wicked sense of humour. Carlos is training and has his finals next year. A brilliant cook - he kept us all well fed throughout the trip on very limited cooking equipment. He also has a great sense of humour and a very infectious giggle. The two of them kept us safe for the entire trip despite some close encounters with the hippos. They were a great credit to Exodus and the training they have received.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't pack too much - we did as always!! Take some unwanted clothes to give to both the village and the orphanage. Book the BA or South African flights you will get there on time and with your bags! The group flight is with Kenyan Airways - it was late and one of our group had no bag, it arrived 5 days later.

Suggestions

Lastly if you want an exciting, energetic trip with lots of wildlife thrown in then this is a great trip for you! This was our second trip with Exodus and I am sure there will be more! 

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching families of elephants bathing and drinking yards from the canoes. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

CB was erudite, charming and knowledgable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would recommend that anyone on this trip have some experience with canoeing and camping - and enjoy both of them.  The village and orphanage visits are a pleasure because they are done sensitively.  Small clothes are needed in both places - if you have room in your bag.

Suggestions

Get some lighter paddles!  The ones provided are much too heavy.

Most Inspirational Moment

Slowly paddling down river watching the sun rise and listening to the early day bird and hippo noises - a level of tranquility you just can't get in London!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Legend. Knew exactly what he was doing and how deal with everyone in the group, whilst providing plenty of entertainment during the day and around the camp fore at night.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Check out the flight times before you book flights with Exodus, BA direct may be a better option. If not, you can get out of Nairobi airport and into the city easily for dinner to pass the stop-over on the way back.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being able to just float within a few metres of Elephants at the waters edge while they got on with doing their own thing.Setting off just as the sun has risen -the tranquility on the water as wildlife starts to show itself.Sleeping at night with the sounds of the bush all around you.

Thoughts on Group Leader

TK and Carlos were brilliant . Looking after our tummies (excellent meals ,including full english breakfasts , prepared on 2 gas rings!).our safety and generally being there to help and inform whenever it is needed.Such lovely guys.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the Trip notes ! They are there for your benefit :-)Be prepared that if you come in July you will most likely have some big headwinds winds and rough water -2 days were a tad hard work .I definitley want to canoe on the Zambezi again but i would opt to miss out on July next time!If you have hands liable to blister easily i would suggest a pair of fingerless sailing type gloves.Travel very light - you have to carry that bag in and out of the canoe a lot !

Suggestions

Based on past reviews and my own experience of the unreliabilty of Kenya Airlines and Nairobi airport i opted to fly direct to Lusaka (only £114 more to arrange myself).That way you arrive in Lusaka by 6.30am -as it was the others were delayed on Kenya airlines and we didnt leave Lusaka till after 3.30pm which became a mad rush and arrival at camp in the dark.I would suggest Exodus need to seriously consider the direct route -all who had done the Kenya divert agreed they would have paid the extra for an easier journey. For the return journey i got home on the Saturday night and the Kenya route arrived Sunday morning-an important consideration when having to get back to work on a Monday.If everyone arrived in Zambia earlier in the day it could be a leisurley transfer to camp and the ability to canoe to the intended first night's camp as had been planned .

Most Inspirational Moment

Cannot pick out a specific moment there was something everyday superseding what you thought was fab.

Thoughts on Group Leader

T K and Carlos were absolutly fantastic nothing was too much trouble helpful and informative at all times were quite happy to have fun when safe to do so, at no point during our time on the water did we feel in any danger. By the end of our holiday the guides felt more like old friends rather than holiday staff. Two wonderful gents.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travel light and with an open mind it's a very different way of life.

Suggestions

AMAZING EXPERIENCE