Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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14485 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

David Walden-Jones

Reviewed November 2015

Cuban Highs and Lows

In the immortal words of Kate Humble: things don’t go wrong, they just go different! There is nothing like a little adversity to cement friendship. In fact it is an essential ingredient of group cohesion.
Our guide overcame every obstacle with skill and confidence. He made even the most challenging experiences pleasurable. The bus, the mechanic and the driver were the best support team one could have wished for.
Cuba is unpredictable but they made our journey a delightful experience in spite of a few difficulties.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, I was literally inspired by Trinidad where we had time off to ourselves. The Casa Particular where I stayed with two other members of our group was a cozy, homely retreat with a family atmosphere. I felt inspired to paint. While others went on excursions, I sat and filled my sketchbook with water colours, painting the little cobbled squares and tall towers with their round windows. Where else in the world can you see 18th century buildings in pristine condition without an advertisement, a traffic light or any other piece of 21st century clutter? Even the few wandering tourists were so sparsely distributed that they did not interfere with my concentration.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yasell was an inspiring guide whose grasp of English and knowledge of Cuban history kept me fascinated all the time. He was very attentive and amusing. I admire his patience. It can't be easy to deal with 16 people of all different ages. As a result of his commitment and attention to detail, we all felt we were being very well looked after.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't gripe before you grasp the realities of life in this very different world. The hotel receptionists may ignore you. They will not have a room ready, the toilet will not have running water, the handles are going to fall off the doors and the taps will be broken. The light switches will not work. The showers will have lost their brackets. The barman won't speak to you. In short, no one (except our excellent guide, driver and mechanic) will appear to be accountable for anything! Nonetheless Cuban people, once you get away from the big hotels, are wonderful to spend time among. They are often very warm and not afraid to show their feelings. It feels safe and ultimately very hospitable in spite of the chaos.

Thomas Sargeant

Reviewed November 2015

Peru tour

Really enjoyed the tour or Peru. Everything was well organised which made the tour really easy.

Caesar was a brilliant guide, not only did he ensure everything ran well, he took the time to make sure we all had a good trip.
I left the trip in Puno (to go to La Paz) and he took the time to arrange a bus ticket and taxi to get me there.

The only negatives were the tourist bus you take between Cusco & Puno ( this really highlighted how good the guiding had been before then).

Most Inspirational Moment

The Inca trail was brilliant - as much for the sense of achievement in finishing it as the sights you see.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Caesar was excellent. He made sure we got the most out of the trip, organised everything and generally was an interesting person to chat to about Peru.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Immodium for the Inca trail - several of us were struck down with an upset stomach.

Deborah Rogger

Reviewed November 2015

Cycling Jordan

It was a full packed, well paced, comprehensive tour of Jordan, beautiful sights on the bike that just wouldn’t be seen in a vehicle. Stunning scenes & you get a good feel for the countries landscape, culture, history and position now, with all the planned visits and fantastic guiding. The cycling is enough to make it a non-lazy holiday but not for people wanting to do any serious mileage or training.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra is stunning, much larger than expected. The two days based in Petra originally sounded too much but seeing it on foot, bike from another perspective and walking above, from another approach were all well worth while and a chance to appreciate the expanse and Beaty of the City.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely fantastic, he went out of his way to make the trip special for each and every one of us and did so much more than his job as a group leader by telling us many wonderful stories, organising meals, suggesting options and answering any questions or concerns that any of us had. He obviously felt a great responsibility for the safely of us all and always stressed the cycling safety procedures. He made the week extra specially well organised, fun and incredibly interesting. He is extremely knowledgable and passionate about his job. You wouldn't find a better tour leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather wasn't quite as good as any of us had expected, at the beginning of the week, in November, we all ended up wearing the warm clothes we had brought for the desert camp, earlier than expected, so be prepared for all weather, as we had some rain too but fabulous sunshine as well. There are some steep descents on the bike but don't be shy to have a ride in the back-up vehicle, if you find it too steep, as it's fun to hear the local music in the vehicle & jump out when you're more confident.....everyone's on holiday to have an enjoyable time, so it's not worth stressing about something you're not too keen on & it's never a problem getting a lift, be it for a short, or longer distance.

Stephen Cowling

Reviewed November 2015

Wildlife and Wilderness of Botswana

A wonderful journey through Botswana and a chance to experience a safari in an area where tourism is much less developed than in many parts of Africa.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many: Mokoro rides and wild camping in the Okavango Delta; the awesome Victoria Falls; seeing a herd of well over 100 elephants wandering across the plain; at least 12 lions at close quarters sheltering under a tree; numerous other wildlife encounters; the eerie silence and remoteness of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Sam, the driver and wildlife expert Kenny and assistant Johnny were all exceptional and could not do enough for us. The same is true of the "polers" in the Okavango Delta. The overall organisation, the camping and catering were superb. We found the vehicle comfortable and adequately spacious.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are some long drives on bumpy roads. The wild camping means that wildlife can wander through the camp at any time, especially at night. We had a close encounter with an elephant one night, which some of the party found unnerving, but in fact it left us alone. At the Victoria Falls, unless you are planning activities such as white water rafting, we recommend visiting the falls on the free day rather than waiting until the final morning as the itinerary suggests, to allow time to do it justice. We particularly recommend the Sunset Cruise and Chobe River Cruise.

Lindsay Wills

Reviewed November 2015

A great country to visit!

I’ve always heard great things about Namibia and it didn’t disappoint, so much to see and do. Very friendly people, great weather and plenty of wildlife!

Most Inspirational Moment

So many great moments; watching the sunrise over Dune 45 was brilliant and watching several beautiful sunsets. I also enjoyed sitting at the waterhole in Etosha (day and night) and watching to animals come and go, a chance to watch real animal behaviour. Also camping was fun, the campsites we stayed at had modern facilities and added to the adventure

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ronney was brilliant, he wasn't feeling well but that didn't prevent him offering a great service. Along with Shane and Jonas he made us all welcome and helped us relax. Nothing was too much trouble for the guys and that made the camping enjoyable. Jonas prepared some fantastic food over the campfire, one meal sticks out; butternut squash soup and freshly made bread followed by marinated pork. So yummy!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book it! I think Namibia is very underrated but there is so much to see and do. There were no issues for safety and Nambians are very friendly and welcoming. It is very cheap but at no loss to quality, we had some lovely meals out.

Denis Pratt

Reviewed November 2015

Fantastic walking week.

We walked in the Alicante mountains, it was inspiring and awesome.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery and our great guide Jose. It's such a beautiful and stunning, visually. ..part of the World. Our group was also the best ever..love to see them all again.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was fab. Jose was fun to be with, also very knowledgeable about the area and extremely attentive to the groups needs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are fit.

Denise Hooper

Reviewed November 2015

South Africa Walking and Wildlife

I loved the variety of this trip. The accommodation ranged from lodges to mountain huts to tents. The activities covered day hikes and game drives. The scenery went from cool mountain plateaus to hot lowlands to lovely beaches. The organisation was streamlined.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the Sentinal track was amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both our group leaders, David and Andrew, were all we could wish for - happy, thoughtful, efficient and caring. Collie was a quick learner.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take fewer clothes, a good zoom lens camera and good binoculars.

Reviewed November 2015

Atlas Descent - excellent

This trip has something for everybody, Everyday offers something different. Breath taking views for photos, no shortage of donkeys, cattle and local shepherds, friendly locals, you’ll pass through some beautiful villages, for those who like a few hills there are a few sneaky challenging climbs, the most amazing descents I personally have every enjoyed, Tagines, Kebabs and no shortage of beer. By the time you’ve finished you’ll be glad to dive straight into the ocean at Agadir on your return. Totally recommended, you won’t regret it – Great Value for Money !

Most Inspirational Moment

The Breath taking views on the final day for the Atlas descent, with far off views of the sea as we travelled through the lush green trees in the mountains tops as we cycled down 40kms along the mountain trails. Fabulous and memorable !

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leader of the group was excellent, good fun and well organised. Always working hard to make sure your bike was in top working order. He looked after us throughout the entire trip and worked with great energy and enthusiasm every day . He talked us through each part of the route, gave me some excellent tips to improve my cycling technique. Regular stops and snack breaks. Any problems with hotels, food etc he sorted out in a flash. Had a real and genuine passion for cycling which made everything some much fun. Brilliant cyclist !

Advice for Potential Travellers

My advice would be think about SPD pedals if you aren't that familiar with mountain biking, at least for the first few days if you need to get familiar with the bike. Bring plenty of fresh cycling gear and keep the evening gear to just a few items, but include a fleece or jumper. It can get a bit chilly sometimes so bring a gillet or very thin jacket, but things quickly warm up quickly so plenty of strong sun cream. Personally I didn't need a camelback as there were plenty of stops for water and snack breaks, don't forget your water bottle. I brought a small saddle bag to carry a few items with me. You'll need a combination of decent- ish level of fitness without having to be a fitness fanatic, be comfortable on a bike, have head for heights and sometimes you might need be open to a few challenges as you tackle a few rocky parts of the decent. If you have a small camera, that you can slide in your pocket then bring that. If you are a starva fan then don't forget your mobile phone, and a plastic cover or bag for protection. Gloves are essential. Don't be afraid to bring the lycra although not always recommended in a few areas. Seems more hassle than its worth to bring your own bike, the Genesis Bikes were great. Decent Helmet, if you are like me you might fall off and its better to be safe. If like me, you are a road cyclist and are in two minds about a mountain bike holiday I would say don't hesitate. There are plenty of hills were you can leave the mountain bikers behind as well as certain stretches covered by road. The mountain biking will improve your bike handling skills, as well as improve your fitness as you power your way up some challenging rocky up hill climbs. Its all worth if for the stunning descent !

Paul Masters

Reviewed November 2015

Exceeded my extremely high expectations

Unforgettable blend of landscapes, cycling, camping, wildlife in a country which has masses to offer at great value

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to single out because the variety was enormous: the animal drama of an evening at the waterhole in Etosha; the beauty of the dunes; the sheer joy of the boat trip off Walvis Bay.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sven led the trip but the team work between him, Benson and Jonas was excellent. They combined very well - manhandling the bikes repeatedly, making and breaking camp with great efficiency, cooking great food in no time, and being really good, informative travelling companions. I can't speak too highly of them.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Above all, if you like the look of the cycling, book! Of the options on the day off in Swakopmund/Walvis Bay, all our group opted for the boat trip and were delighted we chose that. Our November trip saw no rain at all. Everywhere we stayed had places you could hand wash kit easily, and in the conditions we had it dried very quickly.

Mary Jansen

Reviewed November 2015

Essential Peru

Our trip to Peru was amazing. The diversity of the country was immense. We didn’t know there were so many climates in the country of Peru.

Most Inspirational Moment

Wow there was so many. For me Lake Titicaca was beautiful and our host family was very welcoming and their hospitality for the duration of our stay was great.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sebastian Echegarary was an excellent guide. His knowledge of Peru was outstanding. Above all his understanding and compassion for all of the tourist in his group was very professional. I appreciated his organizational abilities.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Acute Mountain Sickness effected 90% of our tour group and put a lot of unnecessary stress on our leader. The trip notes only suggest medical advice if you have a pre-existing condition, I would suggest that everyone get the medication before leaving home.

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