Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Meeting children and families on route; the kids would always be thrilled to see us (lord knows why?!) and their enthusiasm never wore off. Sri Lankans are smiley and open. The moment where we saw a crocodile snap up a bird for dinner at the Yala National Park was also pretty cool.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh is quietly confident (things happen almost without you noticing), very hard-working, a super cyclist, and a lovely guy. He has plenty of humour to spare and this is very welcome on a trip which is tough at times from a physical point of view. He has the patience of a Saint (being a novice cyclist, I very much appreciated this a number of times on the trip) and really is an Ambassador for his country; which you can tell he loves. He always does that little bit extra and made all of us feel very welcome and at home at all times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For the ladies: take your own seat. The hire bikes are great, but from a purely physical point of view ladies would be better off with a women's seat. Gloves are a must, as is the anti-friction gel. I took several changes of cycling gear as you get dirty and sweaty of course, but there are two laundry opportunities too if needed. Rehydration salts are a good idea almost as a prevention rather than a cure as you're sweating a lot.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking around Tallin, Riga and Vilnius. Staying in some great hotels. Cycling on quiet roads. Not seeing any British stag parties in the cities!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lucas was great - very informative and a good sense of humour

Advice for Potential Travellers

You may want to spend an extra night at the start and/or end to see Tallinn and Vilnius in more depth.

Most Inspirational Moment

I don't think I have a most inspirational moment, loved it all.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Heather was fantastic - really enthusiastic & knowledgeable, plus motivational (when needed!). Neil kept everything running amazingly, copious amounts of delicious food and a well maintained bar- bliss to have a cold beer after a days walking… The food that he cooked in camp was better than the meals we ate out.

Most Inspirational Moment

a sense of achievement when completing the tour.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Remember that you are camping, and are REQUIRED to help with domestic duties.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the summit of the Brevant.

Thoughts on Group Leader

excellent

Most Inspirational Moment

On the Chobe river cruise, the entire boat watched as a baby elephant was cajoled by its herd to cross a stream that its parents could stride across, but was too wide for the baby's short legs; the sheer isolation of the wild camping in the salt pans; the big cat sightings that Jenny mentioned; the three families of elephants at the watering hole just yards from our camp in Zwei Zwei Pan; and I especially enjoyed visiting the Bushman paintings from 1500 BC that Stan took us to, to make up for the lost time when the truck broke down.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sam attitude was excellent. Everything revolved around ensuring that we enjoyed our time on the trip and got as much out of it as possible. His cooking on a campfire was unbelievable - fish and chips, fresh bread, cabbage quiche - his recommendations on the extra trips were spot on, and his permanent good humour made for a relaxed and enjoyable journey. Even when the truck broke down - the immobilizer incapacitated the truck for a few hours - he kept his cool, updated us on progress, and managed to organize the alternative arrangements without getting flustered. Our guide, Stan's knowledge and enthusiasm were terrific. His book of pictures was excellent for explaining why the landscape is like it is, his tracking meant that there were more animal sightings than we could have hoped for.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For a couple of over fifties who had not camped in decades, the prospect was daunting. However, the camp-beds are comfortable, the food was delicious and plentiful, and while the tents are small, the guarantee that there will be no rain (in July) and so no wet clothing or leakages if you touch the tent, meant that this was all surprisingly civilized. However, even if it won't rain, do take waterproofs to combat just how windy an open sided truck can be. Good washing facilities in Victoria Falls means that we could have reduced our clothing amounts even further - only the Sunset Cruise in Victoria Falls needed anything even remotely smart. As others have mentioned, head torches and lip balm are good to have. Also, take wet wipes for the four consecutive night wild camping away from "proper" showers, although the bush shower was very effective and surprisingly good.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the sunrise over the sand dunes and then rolling down afterwards. Watching a stand-off between an adult rhino and a herd of elephants at the Etosha watering hole. Also the township tour in Swakopmund was really interesting. Our guide was really friendly and it was good to see how people live and meet some of the residents. My son tried a fried caterpillar!

Thoughts on Group Leader

They were brilliant - they took excellent care of us. Great leadership by Ronney and we loved our daily PFT (plan for tomorrow) by the campsite fires. He has an incredible wealth of knowledge of his country (history, wildlife and plants). He also has a great eye for spotting wildlife. Jonas was an amazing cook and he was so friendly. Lollo was fantastic too. The three of them were a part of our holiday and not just the guides. We were sorry to have to say good-bye.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take lots of warm clothes if going in the UK summer months - it is cold at night. We bought extra blankets when we were there. It is very dry and dusty. Take head torches. The drives are long, but the countryside is so stunning, it is easy to pass the time just watching the scenery change and spotting wildlife. Also take binoculars for Etosha.

Most Inspirational Moment

I am struggling to pick out one thing. The views were incredible of Tuscany. Taking in the smells and sights before visiting the Castellare winery on the first day was excellent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader Ale was excllent! Our group was great as well, everyone was similarly focused on having a great time.

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole week was inspirational. The walks each day were slightly different and the views incredible. Probably the standout was the walk up and around the crater of Mt Vesuvius!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Christine was fantastic!! Her knowledge of the area, her relationships with the people in the community was fabulous. Her interraction with the group was excellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing orang-utan in the wild for the first time. Staying in a long house was also an interesting experience and not to be missed.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Manuel was one of the best Exodus team leaders we have had. He was very knowledgeable about the wildlife and cultures of his country and explained things very well. He was always on time to meet us, very patient and well organised. How he used to spot wildlife hidden in trees and undergrowth was beyond me. Much of the success of this trip was down to him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for hot humid conditions and lots of sweating. The rain in the rainforests can be very heavy so a poncho is better than a kagool, it's more airy. Take plenty of 50% deet, you will get fewer bites. Trousers with zip off legs are useful, as are quick drying T-shirts/polo shirts. I never found the need for long sleeved tops. Malaysia uses the same electrical sockets and voltage as the UK so no need for adapters. We were able to charge batteries where ever we went. Internet access was available in most hotels free of charge, although a bit slow.