Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Roman Villa was amazing - so well preserved after so long. The walk in Zingaro Nature Reserve was beautiful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tiziano was the best tour leader we have had (after about a dozen Exodus trips). His knowledge of, and passion for, Sicily (and Palermo!), was astounding. And he brought a sense of fun to the trip which enhanced the entire experience. He went out of his way to ensure that we enjoyed ourselves and also understood the context of what we were seeing and experiencing. He put together an extensive list of Sicilian food for us to try. When one of the trip members had a fall and had to go to the hospital, he was right on it, ensuring that our experience was not affected while he took care of the individual. Tiziano is the only one to lead this trip, so you can be comfortable booking the trip knowing you will have an excellent trip and be well looked after.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The one downside of the trip was the level of accommodation, which was quite variable. This may be partly a reflection of the lack of TLC in much of the infrastructure on Sicily, so you might need to manage your expectations. We enjoyed the trip to Mt. Etna, but wished we had taken the cable car rather than doing the walk. The walk was extremely steep and slippery on volcanic scree. If you do the walk, take poles. If you take the cable car, bring extra layers and a very warm hat. We went in early - mid-May, so while it wasn't cold, it also was not super warm most of the time, so bring layers.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sunrise in the Sahara and the views from Aït Benhaddou or sunrise in the Sahara The food we had prepared for us at peoples home was also so delicious.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yusuf was very good and also ensured we got plenty of photo opportunities.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take an extra day or two at the end and stay in a riad in the medina.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Mount Fugi was a stand out moment. We were so lucky to see it so clearly on both days!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Charles was a very good leader. He was very good at getting the group (ages 26 - 77 years) through all the vagaries of public travel. Having lived in Japan he was knowledgeable on Japanese customs, beliefs and ways. Advice for Exodus. I found the journey Kobe to Kanazawa very tiring, travelling on three trains and a bus. I wondered if this leg could be modified possibly using private transport on this day. I also wondered if it would be possible to meet more Japanese people.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travel one or two days before the start of the trip so that you are not tired at the beginning of the adventure. Our best meal was one where 4 of us ordered something different and shared. Our time in Tokyo was short so planning and booking venues in advance is the key. Enjoy it all!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for late (3 pm and later) lunch breaks - the cycling is all done before lunch. There is a quite a lot of off-road cycling, way more than is suggested in the trip notes, over rough terrain. If you are not used to cycling off-road 'gravel roads' often means rough, uneven, lumpy, bumpy tracks. The pace of the cycling is very slow (which was not due to the group members, but set by the group leader) which makes the lunch stop even later than it need be. There is a lot of cycling on shared footpaths/cycle paths which is necessarily slow. The second hotel (in Pula) is a long way from the town and there is nowhere to eat other than the hotel. To go into Pula itself you need to get a bus. The trip is new for 2026 so will perhaps evolve.

Most Inspirational Moment

The amazing rugged coastal walks with an abundance of wild flowers.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Inês is/was unflappable!! Totally in control of the group, acknowledging and adapting to our various idiosyncrasies and providing us with a knowledge and understanding of the flora & fauna as well as the many species of bird.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I’m in my 70’s & relatively fit but I did find some of the days challenging. Most of the paths are on sand, some on rock/limestone and on some occasions you are scrambling up & down rocks. Boots with ankle support and walking poles were invaluable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Stunning snow-capped mountain scenery

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alfonso Gallego de Lerma

Advice for Potential Travellers

A good personal physical condition is recommended to get the best out of this trip

Most Inspirational Moment

-Machu Picchu. We saw it twice- in atmospheric cloud after the Inca Trail and in brilliant sunshine on the morning of the tour. -Seeing the sheer extent and technological achievement of the Inca ruins. -Diving into warm waters and swimming with turtles, rays, sharks, sea-lions and so much more. -Seeing incredible endemic wildlife like the blue-footed booby, the giant tortoises and, of course, the marine iguanas.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were fortunate to have Holger Collantes and Richard Ruiz as our guides. Both were exceptional in terms of their expertise, attention to detail and absolute commitment to ensuring everyone had the best experience possible. They were warm, generous with their time and considerate of our safety (while at altitude and while snorkelling, especially). They were also fun! As always, the quality of Exodus' guides really enhance the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

-If you're a regular walker, the One Day Inca Trail is well within your capability. And don't worry too much about the Monkey Steps/ Gringo Killer. They're fine! - Circuit 3 is a great tour of Machu Picchu. -You can leave your trekking/ cold-weather gear at Vieja Cuba Hotel in Quito while you go to the Galapagos. -It's useful to take your own snorkelling gear, if you have it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention! Helicopter ride over Victoria falls, a week old elephant in Chobe, Jackal sitting in between the tents in Sessriem, numerous animals in Etosha, small animals in Swakopmund, exceptional knowledge from our guides, changing landscapes, climbing Big daddy! The hard work and attitide of our two guides Ian and Andy were both superb. So knowledgeable about the animals, countries and both delivered some fabulous meals. They were both the best!!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Ian went above and beyond. Nothing too much trouble, extremely knowledgeable and somehow spotted animals hiding in the national parks. Very sympathetic to the needs of the group and both Ian and Andy had a great sense of humour. If i do another trip in this area I would love for them to be my guides again.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travelled in April/May this year. It was hot and warm in the evenings until Swakopmund it then got cold the further you go south. I had a good sleeping bag and layers but I bought a blanket in a local supermarket for less than 10$ and this was a welcome comfort. I had a lightweight down jacket which I used often especially in the morning and evening. Get a ZAR plug adapter. Card payments acceptable in most places. US dollars acceptable in Zimbabwe and Botswana. A small amount of Namibian dollars would be useful for toilet stops. They also accept US dollars in Namibia in some places and also ZAR rand. Tips are expected for extra trips about 5$. Washing is available in Swakopmund less than 10$ for a full bag. Trips: helicopter over Zambeze, sunset cruise, evening safari in Chobe, quad bike ride in Swakopmund looking for the smaller creatures, Table mountain and wine tasting.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching sunrise over the Sossusvlie dunes in Namibia was an amazing experience but there were plenty of other great moments on the trip such as feeling the immense power of Victoria Falls, watching an amazing array of wildlife over a number of game drives, and walking around the plateau of Table Mountain in Cape Town.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The two guides on our trip were Andy and Ian. Across countless of trips over the years that I've been on these were undoubtedly the hardest working guides I've ever come across. Alongside this, they've both got an encyclopedic knowledge of Africa's wildlife and landscape and a great sense of humour to go along with it. You'll be very fortunate if they lead your trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just because it's Africa don't expect hot weather all the time as it will likely be cooler as you travel further south so bring a warm jacket and a decent sleeping bag. Most of the time you'll be at the campsites so there's no need to bring lots of fancy clothes for going out as these are only needed for the few days spent at Swakopmund and in Cape Town. You can handwash clothes at the campsites but there's proper laundry facilities at Swakopmund. Most expenditure can be done using credit/debit card but it's useful to have some local currency for paying tips etc. Also, get stuck in when it comes to helping out with the camping chores. The guides will do the vast bulk including the cooking but give them some support with the cleaning up after each meal and packing away when leaving each campsite. The guides won't look for any help but they'll appreciate it if you do give them some support.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lorenzo was an excellent guide with in depth knowledge of the local area. He was very organised and made sure we had all the information we needed for the following day’s activities in good time. He was friendly with a good sense of humour.