Reviews

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

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.

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71 Reviews

5 out of 5

Betsey L

Reviewed January 2023

An unforgettable experience

My husband and I joined this tour as novice photographers and first timers to Africa. The experience blew us away. The level of service from our drivers and camp staff was exceptional. Paul Goldstein is an amazing photographer and worked tirelessly to get us great photo opps. I can’t think of a single negative thing to say about the accommodations, either. It was a memorable experience through and through, and we made new like-minded friends that we’re excited to travel with in the future. We are already considering future trips with Paul.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We immediately clicked with Paul. His number one priority was delivering on the premium experience advertised. He worked tirelessly with our local guides to find wildlife and predict their behaviors, getting us into so many great photo opps. As as added bonus, Paul is also health conscious and led daily pilates classes and hill climbs that anyone could join. We won't hesitate to join Paul on more adventures in the future.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Leave time for Exodus to confirm your reservation. We booked last minute and didn't realize there would be a delay between booking the trip (which we paid in full online) and actually confirming our spaces. That caused a lot of stress since we had other last minute details to organize. Avoid the stress by booking farther in advance. If you have the means to do it, consider adding a few extra days onto the trip, either in the camps or back in Nairobi. The trip was action packed and the days were long. Next time we'll add in a little more time for R&R at the beginning or end.

Leslie Holmes

Reviewed March 2022

All expectations exceeded and some

This was a much anticipated trip – 4th time lucky and it was absolutely worth waiting for. Kicheche camps, the guides James, Dickson, Sarumi, Johnson, Bernard and Eliud were all excellent. They found us elusive leopards and cheetahs and got the vehicles into the best positions for photographs. Paul was an inspirational lead – pushing us to go for something different in our pictures and ensuring we had the basic camera settings correct. Just don’t ask him what ISO to use or wax lyrical about the stunning vista. Kicheche camps and the conservancies are something special – they’re very connected with local communities, the wildlife aren’t “hassled” by lots of vehicles crammed full of people. As a guest Kicheche felt very respectful of the local area and we were also wonderfully looked after – amazing food from game drive breakfasts, delicious lunches and dinners at the camp and sundowners in the bush, comfortable tents and communal areas all with stunning views and the odd elephant just walking by. It was my first safari but some people in my group of 7 guests had been many times and I can see why.

Most Inspirational Moment

The game drives - seeing leopards and cheetahs close up - unphased by the vehicles and just going about their business. I thought we had been incredibly lucky with the drives we had and what we saw but no the guides really are excellent at finding even the most elusive of animals. Inspirational moments include cheetah cubs playing under our vehicles, a leopard and her cub coming down from a tree with their kill and a cheetah fending off a lioness to protect her cubs. For me the photography coaching - learning how to take photographs of weaver birds for example was a huge highlight of the trip and not something you would get on any other safari.

Thoughts on Group Leader

All of the guides and Paul Goldstein were excellent. Paul knows what he is doing and will push you to get the most out of the experience and your photographs which is exactly what you want from a trip like this. Paul, the guides and camp staff all work incredibly hard to make this the most amazing experience - you can immerse yourself in the safari and know that all the fiddly bits and pieces like PCR tests, early pick ups etc are all being sorted.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are keen to develop your photographic skills or want to experience a very special safari experience then this is the perfect trip. Be aware, though, it may ruin you for any other safari.

Suggestions

I extended my trip with 5 nights in Zanzibar at Fumba Beach Lodge which was the perfect place for being indulgently lazy or having an explore. I was picked up from the airport by Kassim Mbonde (he worked with the local operators who liaise with Exodus) and he was happy to act as my guide whilst in Zanzibar. As a first time visitor and solo traveller I was very happy to take him up on this offer and two excellent days exploring the island - Stone Town, Spice Tour, Jozani forest for Red Colobus monkeys and Mnemba Island for snorkelling and swimming with dolphin (an amazing first time experience). I felt very safe with Kassim and looked out for and got to explore parts of the island I wouldn't have been able to otherwise. If you are able to I would definitely recommend a Zanzibar extension.

Janet Hoptroff

Reviewed October 2019

A Very Special Safari

My first Safari, and every day a new magical experience… photographing wildlife. It really was exciting and a privilege to be in close proximity with so many different animals in this wild beautiful conservancy (and with few other tourists around).

Most Inspirational Moment

To be allowed to share the home of these incredible animals in the company of Wildlife and Photography experts Paul Goldstein and Chris Packham really was ‘something very special’… and inspirational.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paul Goldstein and Chris Packham, our leaders, are Wildlife and Photography experts and inspired us to take brilliant photographs… They gave some great advice on achieving that ‘special’ shot.. They were delightful company, helpful and full of suggestions to help us improve our photographic skills. They made the holiday very special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you love Wildlife and photography, this is the Safari for you! Go and experience this fantastic trip, the magic of the animals (there are so many to see) and the comfort and fantastic food of the Bush Camp.

Suggestions

It really was exciting and a privilege to be in close proximity with so many different animals in this wild beautiful conservancy (and with few other tourists around).

Eric Bradley

Reviewed January 2019

Kenyan safari @ Kicheche

This was an excellent trip, full of amazing wildlife and beautiful scenery. The accommodation, food and facilities were also top notch, as were all the staff. I cannot fault this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

It was all good but watching cheetah, lion and leopard cubs playing (not together, I might add!) were definite highlights.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The guides are amazing and know their environment supremely well. Paul, the group leader, was excellent as usual and needs no further plaudits from me.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to eat a lot of excellent food.

Robert Ordidge

Reviewed January 2019

Inspired by the inspired.

My latest trip to the Masai Mara was as good as all the others. Each trip and each day of every trip are different. New and different animals and birds to photograph and new situations and interactions.There is so much variety that you never know what is around the next corner.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the big cats and their young ones interacting with each other. Yes good photographs but also memories of just watching them playing with each other in family groups and the affection shown by the mothers. I am describing lions, cheetahs and leopards. My impression was that the population of the big cats has increased since my last visit in 2016.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paul Goldstein is different from other leaders of wildlife photographers. Can be rude and charming at the same time, but never spiteful. He gets in the way when photographing but probably because he instinctively seems to know what is going to happen before it does happen. He also seems to get better pictures. You travel with him because of his passion and knowledge for photographing wildlife. However it is not just about Paul. He has a very, very good team supporting him, the drivers in particular. They know the country. I am pleased that Paul frequently asks for their advice.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Wildlife photography demands being in the right place at the right time. This means that you need to know the ways and thoughts of your subject. Sometimes you need to sit and wait and watch. Always travel with a dedicated group of people and that applies to the other members of your group. If photography is your aim then go with fellow photographers.

Suggestions

I will be going back to the Masai Mara.

alan watts

Reviewed October 2018

jonathan scott safari

outstanding in every way. kicheche camp just superb – accommodation, service, friendliness and food all as good as it can get.
hard work though getting up at 5.15 every day and being out till 6.30 in the evening. no issue though – that’s what we signed up for.
our drivers / guides were absolutely top notch and really great to be with.

Most Inspirational Moment

just all the wildlife, scenery, colour and open spaces. the maasai village part made the trip very special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

brian from canon just great

Advice for Potential Travellers

not really

Suggestions

yes. given the distance and cost, i think it would be great to offer optional 'add on' package(s) at the end, e.g. 2 days in nairobi or a beach just to relax / learn something more about the country. this trip is intensive and tiring and you need a bit of r&r before going straight home.

Christopher Bruce

Reviewed July 2018

Kicheche Bush Camp

Absolutely brilliant safari.

Paul Goldstein and the local guides went out of their way to ensure we had the best experience.
The camp itself was superb and the food was the best we’ve had on any trip.
The camp managers, Darren & Emma, were very friendly and welcoming and added to the overall experience.
We would happily go back tomorrow.

Most Inspirational Moment

The number of big cat sightings, which was due to the spotting skills and patience of the guides.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paul Goldstein is a legend. Inspirational and great fun, you learn so much just from being with him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get on the next plane out. You won't regret it.

Cheryl Morris

Reviewed April 2018

Leopards, leopards and yet more leopards - with cubs

Another amazing week in the Masai Mara. Don’t be afraid to go during the “rainy season”. We had so many top quality sightings of leopards with cubs, lions with cubs, a cheetah kill and a new born elephant. Of course this cannot be guaranteed but we had very good fortune as well as maxing the time out searching for photographic opportunities. The guides were excellent and worked hard to get us into the best position for photos, whilst respecting the animals and ensuring they weren’t disturbed by our presence. Lovely food and comfy tents – hot water bottles in our beds and in the jeeps were well-received.

Most Inspirational Moment

Spending quality time with a new-born elephant who was learning to walk and suckle and very playful leopard cubs

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paul Goldstein - you can read all about him in other reviews. Without doubt, you won't find a more hardworking guide, determined to maximise your experience

Advice for Potential Travellers

Brace yourself for getting up around 5am and not returning to camp until 19.30 - every day. This safari isn't for wimps.

Cheryl Morris

Reviewed April 2018

Leopards, leopards and yet more leopards - with cubs

Most Inspirational Moment

Spending quality time with a new-born elephant who was learning to walk and suckle and very playful leopard cubs

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paul Goldstein - you can read all about him in other reviews. Without doubt, you won't find a more hardworking guide, determined to maximise your experience

Advice for Potential Travellers

Brace yourself for getting up around 5am and not returning to camp until 19.30 - every day. This safari isn't for wimps.

Haydn Adams

Reviewed February 2018

An unbeatable wildlife photographic experience .......................

I had done the same trip once before when I barely knew how to use my camera. Six years on I felt I could fare much better and I wanted to put myself to the test. This wildlife safari gave me every opportunity I needed to exercise my skills. Fantastic wildlife viewing under the tutelage of an internationally renown expert in a wonderful environment.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several incredible wildlife experiences, one of which was to follow a leopard and her cub for nearly two entire days. But if I had to single out just one incident it was a stand-off between approximately twenty inquisitive giraffe and a completely unfazed cheetah. Paul, our leader, said that never before during his extensive career had he seen anything quite like it - and photographs of the event made into the UK national press.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paul is an expert in his field and he sets very high standards while constantly providing helpful advice and feedback. As I think the trip notes indicate, this is not a trip for the faint hearted. But Paul and his team of highly skilled drivers know how to get you into exactly the right place at the right time to capture those incredible wildlife moments. Paul is also an amazing raconteur. During quieter moments out in the field the time is filled with interesting anecdotes or amusing stories and it is exactly the same over lunch and dinner. Paul is an excellent group leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip delivers exactly what is indicated in its title. This is a photographic safari and it is best suited to those fully familiar with their photographic equipment. If your main goal is to see as many animals as possible, stopping for every zebra, impala and other animal on the plain, you might prefer to look elsewhere. If you want the opportunity to take spectacular wildlife photographs then this is the trip for you. But patience is required. Long hours are spent out in the field and there are inevitably periods of relative inactivity, sitting in vehicles parked out in the African sun, waiting for that special moment. But, believe me, the results are well worth the time and the effort invested.

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