Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

We saw and did so much that it's hard to pick out any one thing.  But for me, cycling through rural towns and villages and seeing and meeting real locals was quite special.  But the history, the architecture and the cars were all pretty amazing too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our Group Leader was fantastic.  He was a local man and very knowledgeable and took a lot of trouble to make sure we were looked after and well informed about the places and things that we visited, saw and experienced.  He was also a real 'people person' and kept everyone happy.  I'll always carry the memory of him saying "Listen! I have something to tell you."The drivers and cycle mechanic were also excellent and very friendly.This is probably the first holiday I've ever had that was entirely incident-free.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Relax.  With Exodus there's really nothing to worry about.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most insperational moment of the trip was the actual Inca Trail the whole walk was fantastic and was just ore inspiring. We has some amaizing views and the trail was great fun to walk along, around every corner and up every hill their was something different to see and do. The best part of the whole trip was after 4 days of walking, walking up the last few steep steps of the Sun Gate and seeing the classic Macchu Picchu veiw in the distance was brilliant. The whole group were speachless, and was good to have the whole group to make it to this point. I had carried a couple beers with me for 3 days (i bought some at the last place available) were quite heavy to carry, but was well worth it when I got to the Sun Gate I cracked one open and all the groip and myself had a swig, and all the other groups cheered and clap and thought what a good idea. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

What can I say, Fabrizzio was amazing. He did a fantastic job, nothing was every to much trouble. he was with us the whole trip, was a fountain of knowledge and always made sure we were ok and that we were safe.I could not of asked for anyone better. Also All the staff and leaders from all over the trip were brilliant. I especially thank the cooks from the Inca Trail who mustered up some fantastic 3 course meals. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

I learnt a fair bit from this trip, as it was my first big trip. Dont take to much, I did and didnt use it all. Make sure you take a very good 3-4 season sleeping back and liner (preferbly silk) It can get cold at night in the mountains. Walking boots for the trail, walkcing shoes for the excursions, I took sandals for the evening, but during the day it did get too sunny to wear them and some people burnt themselves..  A wide rimmed hat is essential, and a strong sunscreen (25+). Pack pleanty of imodium and dyralite nothing worse than getting a dodgy tummy, and if you can take some mint tea bags as they help settle the stomach greatly. Drink pleanty of water and gatorade whilst their, its very important to stay hydrated. I got sunstoke one afternoon and it was horrible. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent knowledgeable leader who knew his stuff.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We went on the "strenuous" week which we enjoyed but be prepared to be walking for 9-10 hours on a couple of days!

Most Inspirational Moment

Maybe it was waking up snug and warm in my (borrowed from friend) 4 season sleeping bag on Christmas morning, realising that - although I love my family and friends dearly - the decision I had made to spend Christmas away walking in the anti-Atlas with a group of like-minded (and not at all wierd) people, was absolutely the right one, and that I had a day of sunshine, great scenery and walking, great company and conversation ahead of me (if only I could face getting out of my sleeping bag!).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdullah was fantastically organised and efficient without ever letting on: everything happened as it should, there was never any stress.  I felt completely safe and confident with Abdullah, and he was very open and welcoming, and happy to talk about Morocco today.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take lots of toilet paper (the facilities- if there are any - are very basic)! Even in the middle of winter take a sun hat - it's bright.Take a head torch and lots of layers for sitting around in the evening.There's not a lot of time in the town at the end (Taroudant) so if you're shopping - know what you're after.  

Most Inspirational Moment

Victoria Falls was amazing - even though it was low water (October). Well worth doing the helicopter trip over the falls. And you do need to do the optional trip to the Zimbabwe side of the falls. (When we visited there was almost no water coming over the Zambian side!) You can book an organised trip to the Zimbabwe side - but our guide was kind enough to take us (onhis day off!) - so all it cost us was the entry fee to the falls and the Zimbabwe visa.And the Chobe River cruise was also incredible. The word 'cruise' gives the wrong impression - we were in small boat (holds about 16 people), close to the water level - but this makes it far more special because you get so close to the animals. Seeing the elephant family come down to the river to drink was perhaps the highlight. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide (Sam) and driver (Jame) were both very friendly and helpful. Couldn't have asked for more!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make the most of the optional trips. Chobe River Cruise has to be the best value for money. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of the scramble - wobbly legs, but what a view!Cold, cold beer after a hard day's walk

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was amazing; so passionate and knowledgable about the area and a fun guy to have around. He was so encouraging on the hard bits - "the steeper the shorter!" - running up and down like a mountain goat so he could speak to everyone.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For single travellers, maybe check before you book the make-up of the group - how many solo travellers, age range etc. I actually didn't do this but I got lucky with a great mix of people, though it may be easy to end up with people who are all much older or younger or all couples (not that this would necessarily be a bad thing of course, but it may be a consideration for some people)

Most Inspirational Moment

- Halong Bay-WOW! - Hoi- An -what a lovely town - Chi-Chi tunnels- so interesting - Mekong Delta- an amazing experience

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide was Lam who was so attentive to everyone's needs and very knowledgable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's quite an active holiday- not a problem for us, but a couple of the group found some of the activities too strenuous. Make sure you have a reasonable level of fitness.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just enjoy

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention, but here are a few:Setting off from Stella Point in the knowledge that I was going to make it to Uhuru Peak prompted me to burst into tears. An amazing and unexpected personal experience - I hope no one saw me.The camaraderie with guides and fellow trekkers. Personal bonds made for life.So much laughter, especially in times of despair.Getting to the top of the Barranco Wall and, of course, Uhuru Peak - a truly spiritual moment.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abraham was calm, inspirational, knowledgeable and, by the end of the trip, a true friend. And I have the upmost respect for his whole team, all wonderful people.

Advice for Potential Travellers

First of all read Henry Stedman's book. That's the only guidebook you'll need.Take wet wipes.Plenty of hiking before you go with a heavy load. I hiked 250 miles during the 5 months leading up to the trip.Take something to wee in at night time - you really won't want to leave your tent at night.Hire their mats.Take all the time you need and be positive and remember to laugh and laugh.Talk to the guides and porters, they are such wonderful people.The only time I got blisters was on the way down - that day and a half of descent was an unexpected torture.

Most Inspirational Moment

The wonderful Indian people who couldn't do enough for us!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Santosh Kumar was an inspired leader who with dilligence and humour lead us on this fantastic adventure. Santosh went out of his way to ensure that every individual had a fantastic holiday, he was kind and fair to all and the whole group got on like a house in fire, due to his great attention to detail. A star!!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect anything and everything on this trip, don't ever go on an Exodus holiday and expect to follow the itinerary, the holiday's themselves always turn out to be much better.