Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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The “Week in Oman” trip, booked well in advance for April 2026, started with such promise. Neil’s customer service was exceptional, setting a positive tone. Even though I sourced my own, cheaper flights, the anticipation provided by Exodus was palpable as the travel date neared.
But that’s when the poor admin and support became evident. My queries to the Exodus Operations team, intended to ensure proper preparation, were met with generic, outdated direction to the trip notes. Ramadam dates for 2024 and 2025 were irrelevant for 2026, and actual answers remained elusive. The pre-trip administration became a farce: asked for flight details a month out, despite having provided them months prior for the arranged airport transfer. Then, two days later, the exact same request arrived from another team member. My confidence in Exodus’s organizational capabilities plummeted.
Thankfully, when Middle East events cast doubt on the trip, Exodus were back on form. Their communication was swift, options were clear, and the trip was confirmed.
Once in Oman, the experience was truly magnificent, thanks to the incredible team at Zahara Travel. Oman itself, with its stunning landscapes and wonderful people, created cherished memories. While there were minor deviations from the original plan, it became clear Exodus struggles with up-to-date information on their website and trip notes.
Despite the outstanding tour itself, the administrative shortcomings were undeniable. As an experienced fellow traveller aptly put it, “Exodus are not the company they once were.” This trip certainly didn’t demonstrate value for money or actions consistent with their promises.
Most Inspirational Moment
The diversity of the landscapes and wonderful people.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Mashal. Was a brilliant tour leader and he always gave so much to the group - including the world's best chips (crisps). Ad hoc stops, light the Opera House at night and his ability to impart knowledge and offer advice in such a natural manner all very much appreciated.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be respectful of the people and the culture. Immerse yourself in Oman and she will repay you many fold
Excellent tour leader. Great tour to introduce us to Oman, its culture and wonderful sites. Would have been more comfortable in a bigger bus. This along with the hotel to airport transfer failing to turn-up loses a star on my rating.
The itinerary is well planned and varied, the accommodation is great and the prices are good considering the number of experiences we have.
Most Inspirational Moment
Travelling in 4 x 4s along mountain passes; camel riding; visiting Bedouin people; staying at the Arabian Nights Resort; the kindness of the Omani people and our super tour leader.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Umar was friendly and got to know everyone in the group. He was organised and had a lot of knowledge and love for his country that he was keen to share.
Exodus provide good customer care from the start. The trip is so well organised and ensures the traveller sees the real culture of the people . Great guides and Ahmed was exceptional. Wonderful knowledge and passion for beautiful Oman. He was friendly and professional and encouraged a good stmkslhefd. He was a perfect leader.
Most Inspirational Moment
So many. Wild swimming. The Grand Mosque. Sunset in the desert and visiting the families for coffee and dates. Seeing the turtle.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ahmed was professional and friendly. Very organised. Wonderful local knowledge and great English. A real ssset to Exodus.
Not on the itinerary (seeing the Royal Opera House) by night. The grand mosque, only our group inside before 9am, I walked in not expecting much looked up, and had a wow moment. The turtle nesting, a starry night by the ocean seeing turtles through the 5 stages, unreal. Very lucky to have seen this at the end of the season. I loved the 4x4 driving to the Canyon and the drive through the date plantations. The last two days, I thought were the best, raw nature at your fingertips. The souk in Nizwa was very chilled, a relaxed experience. The cattle market was an eye opener. The Desert was a bit disappointing, after Wadi Rum, Sossusvlei it didn't do much for me. The hotel was good, yet I thought there would be more to do.
A special week where we enjoyed everything in peace. The six of us, and few other tourists in sight for the majority of the week, because of the fear of travelling to the Middle East and the heat. The Omanis are very welcoming and I felt safe.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Brilliant. Ahmed provided fantastic insight, culture, and personal stories detailing the lifestyle of the Omanis on the trip. Fascinating. Ask questions to find out more. The drivers were great.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Wear linen. You'll be covered up most of the trip. The only people I saw on the trip not appropriately dressed were Brits in strappy dresses! There are signs everywhere about the dress code and respecting the culture, yet this group couldn't manage to put clothes on. Bring a UV umbrella and electric fan if you are not very good with heat. It was 43 degrees for us in September!
A lot of travelling, not much walking on the trip if you are into your fitness. Don't forget your refillable water bottle.
A good overview of a small part of Oman, a country that deserves a longer exploration of its history and geography.
Most Inspirational Moment
The harbour Dhow cruise and the Dolphin Pod we saw.
The Cattle market and the witnessing of Omani traditional life.
Nizwa forts and Mountains.
Walking in the Wadis
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ahmed was helpful and his bus talks and guiding expanded our knowledge. It was Ramadan and managing that and tourist guiding must have been challenging.
The driver was exceptional of the tour bus and the 4 Wd drivers also filled one with confidence despite the challenging terrain.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Add on a trip to Salalah for 3 days to visit the Frankincense trail.
Add an extra day in Muscat for additional museums
My week in Oman was such a special experience. Having travelled there without much knowledge of the country, I was absolutely blown away with the beauty and adventure it has to offer. This was my first trip with Exodus and I was really impressed with the level of communication in the lead up to the trip. I felt secure and confident with the arrangements and had clarity with the itinerary and instructions throughout. The agenda for the week was jam-packed but it meant that we got to see SO much while we were there. It’s not a trip for someone looking to unwind and relax as there is very little time for that, but if you’re looking for amazing scenery, interesting experiences and fun memories, then this one is for you!
Most Inspirational Moment
My favourite part of the week was that we got to experience a different terrain/area every day. City, waterside, desert and mountains - there was literally always something new and amazing to see! The standout moments in particular for me were: - swimming in the wadi (I'll never forget that!) - watching the turtle lay eggs on the beach at night - watching the sunset in the desert - seeing the star filled sky from the beach and desert at night - standing on the edge of the canyon The views from lunch at Misfah Old House were also a delight.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Qais was a brilliant guide. So knowledgable, patient and friendly. I would recommend him as a guide to anyone travelling to Oman.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This isn't a relaxing holiday due to all of the travelling and scheduled sight seeing, but it also isn't majorly active either. There's adventure in the places you visit, but there isn't much in the way of physical activity (e.g. some walking and swimming but usually optional and nothing more exerting than that). This is a non-drinking country so alcohol is limited (you can only purchase in some hotels). This wasn't a problem for me and Exodus had made everyone aware before arriving, but some of the group were surprised/complained each day that alcohol wasn't an option with meals, etc. (which was quite disrespectful!) So it's worth bearing that in mind if alcohol consumption is something that would impact your trip significantly.
A really enjoyable trip though it would have been good to have had a few extra nights. Fantastic scenery, a varied mix of locations, and accommodation was good throughout.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were quite a few. I really enjoyed the desert camp and would have loved a second night there. Travelling in the 4x4s was pretty exciting, viewing Oman's grand canyon which was spectacular, having lunch in an ancient village high in the mountains. Nizwa with its fort, Souq and animal auction was interesting. Highlights in Muscat were the Grand Mosque and the sunset cruise in a traditional dhow.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Qais was very enthusiastic and was happy to talk about the Omani culture. He worked really hard to make the trip an enjoyable one.
Advice for Potential Travellers
A very busy week with 1 night in each location, only 2 nights in Nizwa. We only saw one turtle at Ras Al Jinz in December which wasn't the main nesting season. There was a lot of waiting until our group went to the beach. It was very dark so watch your step! Make sure you pack some loose fitting, long sleeved clothes.
Lots of history, lots of culture, lots of scenery.
Most Inspirational Moment
2 or 3. The Muscat Grand Mosque for architecture, wahabi Sands and the Grand Canyon of Arabia for scenery.. seeing a turtle laying eggs and a couple of babies running for the sea was magic too.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ahmed was efficient and personable. Gave goof insights to life and history of Oman.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Prepare for some longish drives and maybe slight difficulty with avegetarian diet, but these are not insurmountable.
