Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

On the second Gorilla trek, observing them as they came down from the trees for breakfast. Being so close as the silverback went by, with his young followers close behind him. Also on our return to Entebbe, seeing the almost prehistoric Shoebill in the wetlands. As someone who is not particularly "into" birds, I found this one fascinating & to be able to observe it at close quarters was truly astounding.

Thoughts on Group Leader

David was an excellent group leader. A very open & friendly man with an amazing knowledge of the animals we saw & where he could find them! Nothing was too much trouble & he was always in good humour. Both he & Lawrence worked extremely hard, & always with good humour, to find as many species as they could for us to see. They obviously knew the area extremely well & had good links with other park workers regarding where animals (such tree lions & leopards) may be. Therefore ensuring that we were able to see as much variety as possible. They were both absolute stars & went the extra mile to make our experience special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is important to have appropriate clothing & footwear for the Chimp & Gorilla treks. we were lucky as all of our visits were dry, but rain had fallen at night, so good waterproofs are needed. I strongly recommend booking the additional visits offered. We all did 2 Chimp & 2 Gorilla Treks. All 4 visits were very different & our second visits gave us better encounters (which could have been coincidence of course!). On our 1st Gorilla Trek the group took a long time to find & the terrain was very steep, so be prepared for tough terrain. The porters were a fantastic help. As well as carrying your rucksack, they help & support you all the way. Well worth employing them & helping the local economy too!

Most Inspirational Moment

Torri del Vaiolet walk. Wonderful majestically scenery enhanced by watching some climbers ascend the statuesque towers. It was the hardest level 5 walk but well worth the effort.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Good as always with Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for any weather conditions. It had snowed just as we arrived (end Aug) so Day1 was quite cold and involved treking in some snow of varying depth. The north route up Piz Boe retained snow till the end of the week so we ascended that by the south route. When the sun was out it could be very warm on other routes. Layering essential.

Most Inspirational Moment

Dubrovnik, such a beautiful city, and so well restored following the war.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader was first class, as was the trainee tour leader. The both worked tirelessly to satisfy some quite demanding guests.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bokk direct flights to Split and from Dubrovnik!

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the metal charms that one could buy in Paros and make wish at the church from the 4th century. The wooden windmill bar by our hotel in Paros was beautiful and we had a lovely dinner at Levantis in Paros. All spectacular.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would stay an extra day in Paros.

Most Inspirational Moment

Vienna-magical! Loved the symphony and the palace!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Peter was great. Hard working, sweet, and knowledgeable. I think we may have overwhelmed him at times with our antics!

Advice for Potential Travellers

See above.

Most Inspirational Moment

Having a wild condor effortlessly flying past us at a distance of only 20m!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent! Knowledgable about the Inca history, although sometimes a little to mystical. Always in control and adaptable to changing situations. Always felt safe with him, and the other support team around.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking poles essential. The bugs bite a lot so bug spray essential, recommend always wearing long sleeves and long trousers.

Most Inspirational Moment

I think there were too many, but body surfing on the Caribbean coast was a highlight, as was seeing a whale from a beach in Panama, cycling like a demon down fast roads through a short downpour, managing to get up a really big hill in 35 degree heat or singing the Hokey Cokey with a class of Nicaraguan primary school kids- take your pick!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto was brilliant. I will be looking out to see if some future trips can be arranged as I would love to go on more adventures with him and his team. We learnt lots about the history, geography and culture of the places we went to, and always felt very safe in his hands.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Your kit will get soaked in sweat and won't always dry in the humidity, so use the laundry when available and take old stuff that isn't too precious. We are fairly fit and did some extra cycling beforehand and I'm really pleased we did as it made it all the more enjoyable, so do try and be ready for the distances.

Most Inspirational Moment

We joined one of the optional tours on offer to see turtles coming ashore at night to lay their eggs. We were not disappointed and got the chance to see a green turtle scraping out its nest and laying its eggs. The included boat trips along the rivers provided the opportunity to experience the tranquility of the verdant forest bordering the rivers but also the skill of the boat skippers got us in the best positions, up close to view the wildlife.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Guillermo was an excellent group leader who had an extensive knowledge of all things Costa Rica and was energetic and enthusiastic in sharing that knowledge with the group which made the trip enjoyable and informative, this was particularly important whilst travelling between locations. He provided information on the wildlife, the culture, the crops, and the eco systems. He was passionate about the environment and proud of the efforts Costa Rica has made in conservation. Guillermo and his company also provided an excellent driver, Juan, who made an excellent wingman to the group leader and was an integral and welcome part of the group. Juan was as passionate as Guillermo about his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In Costa Rica, and Tortuguero in particular, they take the conservation of the turtle population very seriously and the tours at night are rigidly controlled by the wardens with no cameras or torches allowed, to prevent disturbing the turtles. There can be quite a bit of time spent waiting in the darkness to be called forward by the wardens and tour leader to view the turtles. Light waterproof jacket, dark clothing and closed toed footwear is recommended. Secondly, although it is best to just watch the local wildlife on offer, to preserve the memories it is best to take a camera with some form of telephoto lens. Lastly, and most importantly ! They always say it is best to learn some of the language to make the most of any trip. I discovered a little known, local, Costa Rican response, to the greeting: "Como estas ?" The local Costa Rican response is: "Con toda la pata". I guarantee that if this response is used it will make any local smile, not that that is too difficult ! Apparently it is difficult to translate this into English but apparently it means: "Fantastic ! including the whole paw" (?)

Most Inspirational Moment

Coming down from Mancondui peak, walking through a beautiful alpine meadow, the trail blazers were well ahead and the chatty ones well behind and I had ten minutes of peaceful blissful solitude just to.......be.

Thoughts on Group Leader

What can I say? Alvaro is one in a million. A really nice guy whose passion and knowledge shines through. The holiday would not have been the same without him.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many it's hard to single one out. Mijet is a must, do not be tempted to take the rest day as it is a very gentle days cycling and you will miss out on a stunning island and a great day out. The first two days are the hardest but you do need to justify all the great food and drink you consume.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marijo will be an impossible act to follow. He is so personable that any little problem with the ferries, restaurants etc are so smoothly dealt with that it all ends in handshakes and laughter. In danger of missing a connecting ferry which would have meant a three hour wait, he sweet talked a van driver in front of us to let us take his place on the ferry! Marijo is not just a guide but becomes part of the holiday group, great fun on and off duty! Truly an exceptional guide. Tome the driver needs a out shout as well. A very happy chap who couldn't do enough for everyone. He also distills a mean homemade grappa!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not expect too much from the hotels and breakfasts! The holiday is great value for money. When you consider the amount of great staff care, great equipment, the cost of the ferries and the comfortable van used to carry us and the bikes, savings had to be made somewhere. This is a full on holiday so you do not spend any time at the hotels anyway! Best tip: most restaurants / bars don't like credit cards. So take cash or get it from ATMs