Reviews

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

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50 Reviews

4.9 out of 5

Angela Whitbread

Reviewed September 2023

Mesmerising Kenya

where do I start!! we saw the big 5 and more it was amazing to be so close to the animals in their natural environment, watching a lion walk towards us was breath-taking and seeing the migration is a once in a lifetime experience. our leader a massi warrior Jackson was incredible at spotting animals for us even the birds, a tortoise, cheetah with her kill, leopards up a tree with its kill, elephants I can go on the migration season is the perfect time to see them all. I am blown away by the close proximity that we got to most of the animals without disturbing them that we could hear then pull the grass out and hear them chew. To have zebra crossing Infront and behind us, seeing the giraffe so close you can almost touch them, I’m bowled over by the whole trip, I have priceless memories for life!! I feel very lucky that I have had the chance to experience all I saw on this amazing trip

Most Inspirational Moment

floating above the mara in a hot air balloon at sunrise was magical!! seeing how vast the mara is and its many colour from high above is something I will never forget. Then after the balloon ride our driver for the morning found us a pride of lions that had a recent kill, we got so close to them we could hear them breathing!! also seeing the local maasi village and hearing the beautiful voices of the men and women singing their songs with no instruments was amazing, the pure joy and welcoming nature of all the people we met was beautiful. they seem to have music pulsating from their entire being!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our Maasi guide Jackson was amazing!! he has amazing eyesight spotting all the big 5 for us even the black rhino which looked like it was 1km away!! Jackson was amazing giving us answers to questions we had about the animals and his life too. he went out of his way to help me when I was purchasing some goods at a shop and got me a good price. I have made a friend for life in Jackson!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

you will eat lots the food at all the hotels is amazing!! there will be noises at night so take ear plugs!! this trip will leave you smiling and feeling so lucky to be in the presence of such majestic animals

Suggestions

The tour starts straight away so make sure you have sunscreen to hand, enjoy the scenic ride to the lake and take in all the sights and sounds and smells that you can, its an assault on the senses- to see how the locals live and work. it felt like I was there for longer than a week. book the trip during the migration season you wont regret it, be patient as they are wild animals too so some might be a bit elusive!!!

Veronica Hinchliffe

Reviewed December 2022

Beautiful Kenya

What a fantastic trip! We were blown away by the sheer amount of wildlife sightings from lions, elephants and cheetah to hyena, hippos, buffalo and lots of colourful birds. The lodge (Sentrim Elementaita) and camp were all comfortable and well equipped, with spacious rooms and a good variety of food. Our tour leader (Gilbert) and drivers (Robert & Olli) were all excellent and shared lots of information on the local geography and culture on the long drives.

Most Inspirational Moment

The sheer amount of wildlife we saw throughout was amazing, but within half an hour of entering the Maasai Mara we saw a cheetah with a kill! We also did the balloon trip - it wasn't our first, but floating over the Maasai Mara and seeing all the animals below was something we'll treasure.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gilbert, our group leader, was excellent. He was clearly very experienced, even recognising a fellow traveller from a previous trip some years before. We had 2 vehicles on the tour and he made sure he split his time equally between both, and always kept the group on track time-wise. He also spent time with the group during mealtimes, sharing insights about Kenya's history and culture. From a personal perspective, he helped us enormously when my husband realised he'd lost his wallet whilst in the check in queue at the airport. One call to Gilbert and the wallet was located back at the hotel. He then arranged for it, and the cash inside, to be returned to us back in the UK.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't take too much cash - there are ATMs around and the tour leader will guide you. We were also able to pay by card for the balloon trip, which we hadn't expected.

E Frances and Nigel Allen

Reviewed March 2019

A Privilege

It was a privilege to be part of this journey through Kenya and to be able to see the fantastic wildlife there. The number and close views of lion, leopard, buffalo, two types of rhino, wildebeest, mongoose, hyena, elephant, giraffe, various monkeys, jackal, warthog, zebra, various gazelle and antelope, cheetah, croc….( I could go on!) in one week was amazing. We saw maybe 80-90 species of bird that were new to us.
The trip was well organised and the guides and accommodation were excellent. The travelling was fine and the vehicles very good. It was easy to take photos from the vehicles. The March weather was hotter than usual and overall the trip was quite tiring, though not demanding in terms of walking. We flew to Nairobi a day early, which suited us. Overall a great trip, leaving us wanting to return.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a leopard at close quarters.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Davis and Peter were very helpful and knowledgeable. They took any minor hitches very seriously sorted them quickly and generally were very professional.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of money as Kenya isn't cheap.

Suggestions

It being an overnight flight to Kenya followed by a long day we recommend early arrival.

barry tylee

Reviewed March 2019

Kenya delivers

This was my third trip to Kenya on safari. For me it just gets better. Of course there is a lot of luck involved, but the professionalism and determination of the guides ensures that you will enjoy a memorable safari adventure.

Most Inspirational Moment

This is always a very difficult question to answer, when you are presented with such a variety of sittings. How can you follow seeing Lions, leopard and Cheetah.Not too mention many other species in between. My personal inspirational moment was taking a photograph of a single female cheetah which had just jumped up a tree in front of us to take a look at what might be on the menu for lunch.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was, Davis. (Peter was the other guide/driver). I have been in groups with both and Davis comes with a track record which is difficult to surpass. Very competent driver, superb knowledge and a great organiser and communicator. I'm sure that we will meet again in the not so distant future when I again travel to the Massi Mara.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are some long drives, comfort stops are plenty. It can be a bit bumpy (so what). depending on the time of the year it can be a bit dusty. Otherwise prepare yourself for a great adventure. Sit back and enjoy it. From your pictures you will relive the moments for years to come.

Suggestions

Be prepared. When you arrive in Kenya and are collected you will start your journey and indeed your safari. Your first excursion is a boat ride on the lake. Make sure that you have your hat, sun glasses and sun cream (or long sleeved shirt/.blouse) at hand as the time that you will spend on the lake in an open boat is time enough to get burnt in the African sun.

Diana Howard

Reviewed February 2019

Classic 4WD Safari - Captivating Kenya

This holiday met every expectation – brilliant safari, comfortable accommodations and knowledgeable, efficient tour operators. I had a fantastic time.
There were 2 long drives, but to end up in the Masai Mara was well worth the effort of sitting in the back of the safari vehicle for several hours chatting to my fellow travellers and taking in the Kenyan countryside, villages and villagers. We visited 2 lakeside safaris and stayed in a lovely lodge with a beautiful view, but once in the Mara, the real trip began in earnest. We had ample opportunity to see an enormous variety of animals and birds. Peter and Hassan took us to all the best spots to see lions by the side of the road, a leopard with its prey up a tree, hippos, cheetah, giraffes, elephants, baboons and all the wonderful impala, Thompson’s giselle, topi and many many more species all grazing in beautiful herds or hiding out in the bushes and water holes waiting to pounce. There were a lot of babies and young animals in Feb. and not too many other vehicles to contend with while viewing them.
The Ilkeliani Camp was magical: spacious comfortable tents with very effecient bathrooms. A Masai warrior escorted you after sunset safely to or from the dining tent or the sitting/bar tent or the tree top lookout. Elijah and Joseph cooked up wonderful dinners with excellent vegetarian selections included. The food was really top notch, especially considering the remoteness of our location. All the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful and took great care to spoil everyone. Our trip included a visit to the Masai village, with a welcoming dance and a fantastic jumping display. It would have been nice to have brought some gifts to the villagers. Perhaps Exodus could include a link with suggestions. There was also a balloon ride which I didn’t do.
The weather was kind and it didn’t rain, wasn’t too hot and although I took my malaria pills, there didn’t seem to be many mosquitos if any. The tents were all perfectly netted and protected as were the rooms at Sunbird Lodge. If you’re travelling alone, I do recommend paying the single supplement for a little peace and quiet and privacy at the end of the busy days.

Most Inspirational Moment

It was inspiring to see the numbers of lions and cheetah and all the various big game, and how healthy they all looked. This conservation seems very well managed and I am happy to think that my grandchildren will be able to enjoy seeing these magnificient animals in the wild. I was also inspired to learn that the Masai women receive education and no longer have to marry at 13.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I thought a lot of our group leader - Peter. He was very organised, very charming and efficient with his evening briefings. I had to change room at the Sunbird Lodge and he took care of arranging this even though they were very busy and it was inconvenient. I could not manage the steep steps down to my room due to some medical issues. On the safari drives Peter found all the good spots to view the animals and was very patient with all the group's individual wishes. He was very knowledgeable about the area, the animals and able to answer all the various questions we threw at him. I had complete confidence in his driving on the long and rather perilous drives to and from the Mara.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You don't need to bring towels, mosquito nets. Pay the single supplement. Read the notes thoroughly for all the good money tips. Bring pencils, books, second hand clothes to gift the Masai villagers.

Suggestions

Thank you!

Emily Lyons

Reviewed October 2018

Wonderful trip!

The wildlife was amazing, the guide was the best, and we were very well taken care of at the lodges and campsites. It was a trip to remember (and maybe go back someday).

Most Inspirational Moment

The hot air balloon ride was definitely a highlight of the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide was great at finding animals and had a wonderful presence.

Sara Johnson

Reviewed August 2018

Excellent experience

Fabulous trip watching the wonderful wildlife. The roads are bumpy but that just adds to the experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the animals up close and in the wild, especially getting within feet of a leopard. Also loved ilkeliani camp-made for a magical experience. My husband really loved the hot air balloon ride.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lovely guys and who were respectful of the wildlife, unlike other companies Who we felt got far to close and were intrusive of the animals around them. Everything we asked of them they delivered, I even jokingly asked for cheetah chasing a wildebeest which lo-and-behold they delivered!! We saw every animal we wanted to see. Thanks guys!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some early starts but these are totally worth it. There are no toilets in the mara, it's behind the bushes only so take handgel and anti bac wipes. Take extra spending money for the gift shops and don't be afraid to haggle-Start at least 50% of what is quoted and don't be afraid to walk away. Water is provided in all hotels but only one bottle each a day so buy some water on route to Nakuru as its far more cost effective. Lastly, don't go with a fixed idea of what u want to see- this is nature and there's no guarantee. Be open minded and you'll love it.

Suggestions

I would say 10 people is the max for this trip- 5 people each van. The hotel in Nakuru didn't really understand my diet, however this was not exodus's fault as they forwarded the details to them (Kenya is very much a meat eating nation) but luckily I had taken food with me. The food at ilkeliani camp was fantastic and more than makes up for it

Elizabeth Guard

Reviewed February 2018

Unforgettable week

A truly memorable week packed with up-close animal encounters in their wild and free environment.
Really helped us understand animal behaviours and the urgent need to preserve their precious habitats.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing 7 male cheetahs together in a group- even our guides were amazed!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both leaders very friendly, knowledgable and respectful of rules of the reserves.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take large SD cards! It’s a full-on week, game drive from the day you arrive . Some in our group went to Nairobi 2 days early to rest and acclimatise to the heat .

Suggestions

Small size group (ours was 11) is perfect

Gail Madeley

Reviewed February 2018

Classic Kenya 4WD Safari - Brilliant

This was my 22nd trip with Exodus so I had no worries in embarking on tented accommodation, it makes a change from being pampered in a hotel. All the staff were very friendly and looked after us very well. It was a perfect time to experience the Masai Mara – by going in the low season you avoid the crowds the migration draws and you have a better view of the wildlife in the low grass.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a cheetah with a kill, zebras fighting, giraffes necking and a leopard (never seen one before in the wild). The variety of wildlife was amazing including the young that had been born prior to the wet season.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Peter and Davis were great. Very well organised, kept in constant touch (almost!), everything ran to time. Peter said each day would bring us something special and he was true to his word. I couldn't believe how each day gave us scenes that got better and better.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We travelled out to Nairobi ahead of the main group. This was due to the night flight followed by a long journey to the first hotel which we have experienced in the past. As there is so much to see en route it is a shame to miss it due to tiredness. Take a sink plug as there is no plug in the tented accommodation. Take plenty of insect repellent - although I had a variety, which was well used, I was still bitten over 100 times, but not by mosquitos. Be prepared to put on weight as you get little exercise apart from the rush of adrenaline and the massages provided by the seats of the landcruisers!

Suggestions

I would thorough recommend this trip to all animal lovers, but be prepared to see some sights you might not like, for example you may witness a kill, but this is natural in the circle of life and the locals do not treat their donkeys with respect.

Petrina Buckley

Reviewed April 2017

Classic Kenya Safari

This trip exceeded my expectations.We were travelling at the end of the season,just as the long rains were due and I was a little anxious about “what” we would manage to see.We were looked after so well,and everyone did their utmost to ensure we had a perfect and memorable trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The smiling faces and generous hearts of the people we met. The utter beauty of the landscape and unimaginable privilege of seeing wild animals in their natural habitat. Watching from the " observation platform" as torrential rain poured down , after our last game drive was over .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Peter and Davis were our guides/ drivers.They were awesome.They were friendly, fun kind and thoughtful.Both were a mine of information about anything and everything. They kept us safe,informed and entertained and worked tirelessly to ensure everyone had a perfect trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Loose,comfy clothing that you don't mind getting dusty/ dirty.The trip notes are are little unclear and don't tell you that you will want to consider tipping at both venues - the lodge staff and the camp staff,they only allow guidance for your drivers/ guides and one set of staff. We found our multi plug useful at the lodge as there was only one socket in the room.

Suggestions

Considering all that is included in this trip,it is excellent value.

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