Reviews

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

Far too many to list, but for starters: Watching, from very close, a family of elephants virtually demolish a tree to provide food for the family. The older elephants were teaching the young ones how to break off branches for future use. A huge privilege to watch this, and enormous thanks to the skill of our driver getting the vehicle in poll position to observe Zebra wandering round the campsite like domestic pets Sunrise over the sand dunes- once again, thanks to our driver and guide for getting us in situ in good time to climb the dunes in good time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant! Ronney was amazing. His knowledge and planning meant we made maximum use of every opportunity to experience the best of Namibia. Our driver and cordon bleu chef Michael was also excellent and helped ensure that we had a great trip. Such a joy to experience Namibia with such inspiring and stimulating local guides, whose love for their country was palpable and which we now share

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't hesitate to book this trip. It's excellent

Most Inspirational Moment

Camel riding in sahara desert, playing the drums as a group just before going on the camels (this was a really good bonding exercise for the group, made such fun by the Moroccan musician, known to our guide, Samir. Visiting the gorge. I appreciated walking for say 2 hours each day, in the oasis, in the city, the market (souk), at the roman site.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Samir really was excellent. We voted him Guide of the Year. I hope he carries on doing this work, since he loves it, and the overall impression is that all the members of our group liked him very much indeed. He had a great sense of humour.

Most Inspirational Moment

The highlights were taking the camels across the Merzouga desert and staying in the tents. We also very much enjoyed the meals at different family homes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Samir was a fantastic leader! He was very knowledgeable and shared his insights willingly. It is obvious he loves his country and is proud of it and his people. He had a great sense of humour and read our group very well. He got to know us personally and anticipated our needs. He made stops when they were needed. When something personal came up, he went out of his way to help and take care of us. For example, when someone was sick or lost something, he took care of them and went out of his way to find and get back a lost bag. He is very well suited for the job!