Kenya & Tanzania Adventure

Traveler Reviews

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  Jordan

  September 30th, 2023
  2
  My biggest concern was that I was the only person under the age of 60yrs old. Since the tour is billed as "16+" I was...
  My biggest concern was that I was the only person under the age of 60yrs old. Since the tour is billed as "16+" I was expecting some older people, but to be half the age of everyone else made for somewhat of a lonely trip. Especially since they complained and argued a lot. At no point during the booking process did the agent I dealt with reveal this a possibility, nor was there the opportunity to communicate with other participants where I could have learned about this age gap. Because if I had known, I would have tried to find a friend my own age to come along or picked a different tour. In terms of the actual tour, I found it to be on par with other companies. The sceneries were lovely and accommodations though basic, were nice and clean. I spent the summer travelling through Africa with different companies/groups and found the accommodations and activities to be comparable to what Exodus offered. The only difference was that I paid significantly more with Exodus. With the other companies, we were responsible for our own tents and cooked meals as a group; Exodus took care of this for me. But for me, I was perfectly capable and willing to pay half the price and taken care of these things myself. Perhaps this is standard because the groups skew older and need this, which only reinforces that this company is not for solo travelers in their 20s & 30s.Show more
  Traveled in September 2023
  

  Reply from: Exodus Adventure Travels

  We appreciate Jordan taking the time to review his experience in East Africa, though we are sorry that he was a little disappointed with the composition of his group. Having checked the details of Jordan’s group, we can confirm that there were other travellers under 60 years of age, though Exodus of course welcome bookings from anyone of the age of 16 and up as long as they are suitable for the itinerary, as we indicate on our website, so it is possible for the age range of a group to skew older or younger on occasion. This is not something we would proactively inform clients of, as we generally do not find that our customers see a group in which a particular age range dominates to be a cause for disappointment, but our sales team are happy to inform clients of their group’s demographics on booking, should they ask. We make clear in the trip notes that this trip features full-service camping, so we regret that Jordan would have preferred to do things differently. We do hope, though, that he enjoyed his time in Africa overall.

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  Monique

  October 3rd, 2022
  5
  This trip was really great. It hit all the highlights I wanted and then some extra. Facilities were actually better...
  This trip was really great. It hit all the highlights I wanted and then some extra. Facilities were actually better than what I expected for tent camping. The crew was great. Trip was organized. Email communication was good, but getting ahold of a live person was a bit of a task. I loved that they used locally owned and operated hotels and outings. I would definitely use this company again.Show more
  Traveled in September 2022
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  Heather Quinn

  November 5th, 2013
  5
  What an amazing safari trip! We visited some of the Africa's superb National Parks and saw many many wonderful...
  What an amazing safari trip! We visited some of the Africa's superb National Parks and saw many many wonderful creatures in their natural wild habitats. Our great Tour Manager, Jacob, ensured that we had every chance of seeing not only the big five but the huge range of both large and small animals and birds on both walking and safari drives.Our camps were comfortable and Simon, our lovely cook made delicious food day after day. I would highly recommend this safari trip to all those interested in seeing this wonderful part of Africa especially as the relaxing end to the holiday in Zanzibar made for a great finish. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Standing in the dusk on our first evening watching a family of hippos grazing a short distance away by the shores of beautiful Lake Niavisha ..... What a great start to our African trip What did you think of your group leader? Jacob M was fantastic! A thoughtful, energetic and practical man Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Read the background notes so that you know exactly what the trip involves and do your research about the areas you are visiting to be well prepared ........ And then book with Exodus, with confidence.Show more
  Traveled in October 2013
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  Sara Maxey

  November 5th, 2013
  5
  Outstanding!!!This was a dream to go on safari and it excelled !! The team were amazing to the end and the group...
  Outstanding!!!This was a dream to go on safari and it excelled !! The team were amazing to the end and the group fantastic! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? That first sighting of the lions a family too !! with  cubs, how aww struck to see them playing trying to get up a tree with Mum at the top sleeping. That is what I came to see the cats !We also saw a great moment with a giraffe approached a leopard sleeping in a tree, it nudged its tail so the Leopard looked up and just watched the giraffe walk on, great to see. I saw the big 5 in the environment they should be in and that to me is just fantastic to witness.As a group we had some really funny moments and that will stay with me fantastoc memories thanks to all for that!!Exodus run a great trip and I would travel with them again!! What did you think of your group leader? Jacob was fantastic, you couldnt ask him a question he didnt know the answer too. He was entertaing and very helpful the best guide by far I have ever come accross.  The rest of the crew was just as good Simon the cook amazing creations in the middle of nowhere!! and always gave alternatives to those that needed them! Kennedy the driver/Mechanic dealt with every hurdle the rough terain through at us, 2 shock absorbers, 2 tyres and a gear box (this did require a new truct, but Exodus were on it straight away!) Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If you are thinking about it dont do it!!  So much fun this trip the crew and group made it even better if that is possible!Show more
  Traveled in October 2013
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  Peter Rombouts

  January 20th, 2012
  3
  A well balanced trip with an exhausting start (driving, tent) but with absolutely fabulous game viewing and topped of...
  A well balanced trip with an exhausting start (driving, tent) but with absolutely fabulous game viewing and topped of with 4 relaxing days in Zanzibar. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The game drives definately were the highlight of the trip. Our group was fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of the elusive Caracal which even our group leader had not seen since some 10 years. There was surely no lack of other predators either, including a pack of lions feeding on a zebra - be honest - that's really why you go on safari, not ? What did you think of your group leader? Sympathetic and very knowledgeable on the area and wildlife. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? This is not a 'total relaxation' vacation. Certainly the long drives, building up, taking dow and the sleeping in the tents in the first part of the trip are quite exhausting. Although I should admit that I had never slept on a travel mattrass in a tent before so I was a real novice explorer and I may have underestimated that part. ;-) The beautiful landscaptes you are passing trough and all the game viewing totally make it worth it though, and the trip is topped by 4 really relaxing days in Zanzibar to get you back on your feet. So this brings back some balance to the trip. Is there anything else you would like to add? Oh, you should definately buy enough beers/drinks for the nights you are spending in the serengeti/crater. It gets dark really early there and there is no bar, so unless you want to hit the sack at 8.30pm you shoud stock up.Show more
  Traveled in December 2011
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  Olwen Mears

  November 14th, 2011
  5
  An experience so far removed from my daily routine that I relaxed completely despite the early starts. You can't...
  An experience so far removed from my daily routine that I relaxed completely despite the early starts. You can't underestimate the sensation of being amid lions, giraffes, zebras, hippos, baboons - and much, much more - in their natural habitat. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? It's a toss-up between spotting an Elephant trotting into our campsite as we walked back to our tent from the bathroom (it was literally just metres away and seemed completely oblivious to our presence, happily chomping away on the bramble!) and actually getting to see a Leopard, which I didn't expect. What did you think of your group leader? Chris was an excellent group leader - fair but firm, he made us all feel safe. When the truck broke down in the middle of the Serengeti, we were all very calm in the knowledge that he and Tutu, his second in command, were doing there absolute utmost to get it repaired. Chris even caught Malaria while on the road and this did not affect our trip in the slightest. A true champion. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? 'Haraka haraka haina baraka- Great haste has no blessing': The pace is different in Africa, you'll have to adapt. That said, don't be afraid to tell your group leader if you feel something is wrong. Being chilled about stuff does not mean being taken for a ride. Is there anything else you would like to add? Enduring long hours on tough roads and sleeping on campsites is the only way to enjoy a true safari experience. When you get up close to one of the 'Big 5' while heading back from the showers, you will know why. The word 'safari' literally means journey in Swahili and if you are interested in seeing the game parks and savannahs of Eastern Africa, you have to be prepared to do just that – and lots of it. Exodus' 17-day (including flights) Kenya and Tanzania Adventure for solo travellers is a great way to enjoy a true African experience: Safari parks plus a lot more besides. After an 8-hour overnight flight to Nairobi, the first stop at Lake Naivasha is a truly idyllic spot and a welcome destination after such a long journey. It includes a visit to Elsemere and the house of Joy and George Adamson. Contrary to what the notes say, this is not one of the highlights of the trip (you will have many more experiences that will eclipse it enormously) but the opportunity to enjoy tea and cake on tame lawns set amid vibrantly wild surroundings is a very pleasant way to be eased in. The excursion also involves a breathtaking trip across the Naivasha Lake and affords a close glimpse of the impressive Colobus monkeys that live on the estate. A small price to pay is the 20-minute dated VHS copy of a documentary about the Adamsons, which sends most people to sleep but does prove interesting in retrospect!One of the worthwhile downsides of a trip that covers so many kilometres of Eastern Africa is the number of hours you'll spend inside a truck, so the farm walk excursion on offer the next day is highly recommendable. You may never again get as close to wild zebra or giraffe except from the safe confines of your vehicle. You will see hundreds of both these species throughout the two weeks of the trip, but if you’re like me you'll never get tired of them. (This is especially true of the giraffes – particularly watch out for the Rothschild variety). The game drives you'll do this trip are packed into the first week. You'll be ready for something different by the end, but boy are they impressive while they last. The first one, in the Lake Nakuru National Park, is stirring stuff. After two days spent in the Serengeti it may seem like little more than a prep run, but we never got up close to lions or rhino in the Serengeti the way we did at Nakuru. Aside from the sheer quantity and variety of wildlife you will doubtless see in the Serengeti, the sheer vastness of the savannah (Serengeti means 'endless plains' in Swahili) will bowl you over. An area the size of Northern Ireland, the park encompasses luscious greens, arid browns and all the tones in between. Despite camping out in the wilds of the Serengeti Park, it wasn't until Ngorongoro that we had our real brush with nature. After much anticipation, mixed with a healthy dose of fear, about the night we would spend camping out in the middle of the giant park, we found the Serengeti camping experience enjoyable though ultimately rather tame. This may have been due to the presence of another expedition like ours. In Ngorongoro, however, a fully-grown elephant wandered into the campsite about ten metres away from our tent. This may not be everyone's cup of tea, but for me it was one of the true highlights of the trip. At the Ngorongoro crater you get another look at wildlife with another sort of 'mini safari', which personally my husband and I could have done without (or at least, could have done with being shorter). More interesting by far was our first encounter with the Masais. We even managed to get a photo of ourselves jumping with them (all at a cost I might add!) as we waited to be transported from Ngorongoro to our next destination (our truck had broken down in the middle of the Serengeti and was under repair). The Arusha Snake Park was probably the least favourite of all our camping stops (it is dusty and at breakfast we were attacked by bees – with hindsight serving up jam and marmalade was probably unwise!) but the trip to the Masai museum and village more than makes up for it. Incidentally, one of my personal favourite camping stops was by Lake Victoria. The colour of the sky as the sun set over the water was spellbinding – it was just a shame we had to rush to get our tent up before night fall. The final camping stops, including two very chilled nights at the Marangu Hotel and another by the beach at Tanga in Dar Es Salaam, are a welcome chance to wind down. You’ll even be glad of the 5am starts in Marangu when you get to see Mount Kilimanjaro ‘undressed’ (i.e. without a covering of cloud) and in the rosy dawn light. In terms of optional excursions we chose to visit the local village, including coffee and banana plantations, and the school. Much like the visit to the Masai village, this is a fascinating insight into the way people live. I’d recommend planning ahead for the school visit, by taking along some school resources. They will also come in handy when the headteacher tries to get you to hand over cash – not advisable. Though we were sad to say goodbye to the truck (and one of our guides Tutu and cook Sami) at Dar Es Salaam, getting to Zanzibar afforded a fantastic sense of liberation – the first thing my husband and I did when we got to Stone Town was go for lunch at Archipelago. We enjoyed some exquisite fish (freshly-caught Marlin, very recommendable, and Tuna) and felt very relaxed facing a spectacular view of the beach. Stone Town is a buzzing little place and it is well worth taking a walk around. People are generally very friendly and though they may harass you to buy something, they rarely become aggressive. The white-sanded beaches and snorkelling of the north of the island are not to be missed, but I could have happily stayed another day or so in Stone Town.Show more
  Traveled in October 2011
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  Andrei Vais

  November 6th, 2011
  5
  By far the best holiday I've been on. Fantastic wildlife (lucky to see the safari big 6), the culture - visit to...
  By far the best holiday I've been on. Fantastic wildlife (lucky to see the safari big 6), the culture - visit to local masai village, tour of Stone town and spice tour in Zanzibar.The Exodus crew (Chris, Tutu and Samy) and the whole group made it even better. Not sure if I'll get tired of talking about this to my friends. Just book your place & enjoy a holiday of a lifetime. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? So many so here a just a few: Lake Naivasha (seeing hippos), farm walk (being very close to zebras and giraffes), Lake Nakuru NP (rhinos, lions being within metres of our truck), sunset at Lake Victoria, Serengeti Park (all the wildlife and especially elephants, cheetahs, leopards), stories by the fire at the campsite in the Serengeti Park, Ngorongoro crater, Arusha - Masai Museum, Marangu - banana & coffee plantation/visiting the local school, waterfall and the local market. To finish Zanzibar with tour of Stone town & spice tour, seeing the sunset from Africa House balcony having a refreshing cocktail. At Amaan Bungalows (north on Zannzibar where you will spend your last two of the holiday) you have to visit the Mnarani turtle sanctuary - 15 minutes walk on the beach. What did you think of your group leader? The crew - Chris, Tutu and Samy - were fantastic. Friendly, helpful, plenty of stories, fun moments. Even when the truck broke down on our way out of Serengeti, they pulled all the stops to get us to our next destinations - Ngorongoro crater and Arusha - no noticeable inconvience to us, it was just another adventure. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Just book it.In Tanzania & Zaanzibar you get a better exchange rate for your dollar with larger notes ($100 and $50) then with smaller ones ($20, $10, $5). Is only a few tens of Tanzanian shillings but it will add up. At Amaan Bungalows you can take cash out on your cash card from the reception but at the US dollar exchange rate.In Stone town, Zanzibar, if you like a curry recommend going for a meal at The Silk Route. At Amaan Bungalows - you have to try the Steak and lobster and also the Hakuna Matata cocktail.But beware of the banana beer - you've tasted better. Is not to everyone taste ;) Is there anything else you would like to add? Did I mention just how good the holiday was?Thank you again to Exodus and their crew & local guides. All the local people and kids that we met - they made us feel very welcome, the kids always with a smile on their face.Highly recommed Exodus and this trip - we already looking at the next trip.Thank you Africa for having us, we will be back but we might visit few other places before hand.Show more
  Traveled in October 2011
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  Ian Wilkie

  November 1st, 2011
  5
  An adventure indeed! The wildlife viewing is incredible, from big cats to birds. The cultural side to the trip is...
  An adventure indeed! The wildlife viewing is incredible, from big cats to birds. The cultural side to the trip is extremely interesting when visiting the masai's. There is so much to do and see on this trip and don't expect your 8 hours kip every night, but you have Zanzibar at the end, where you can relax on white sandy beaches overlooking the crystal blue sea. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There isn't just one inspirational moment.  The balloon safari was magical and how many people can say they had champagne in the Serengeti! Camping in the wild is a fantastic experience.  We had a small herd of zebra and some elephant wander past us in our campsite in the Ngorongo as we were around the campfire! I also couldn't believe how close we got to the big cats on some of the safari's and you're bound to see lions fairly close up on this trip.  And what can I say about Zanzibar but...paradise! Well, the last 2 days in the north are.  Stone town is very interesting, especially the spice tour.  You can also do a lot of shopping here and as they say....'it's free to look'! What did you think of your group leader? Absolutely amazing! They put 110% effort into this trip and made us feel safe, whilst having the trip of a lifetime.  I have written in to Exodus saying how good they were.  We did have a slight mishap with the truck radiator half way through.  They were that good, that 2 of them stayed with it to fix it through a sandstorm, while the other organised transport to the next place and we were only 15 mins behind schedule. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Just book it!! Is there anything else you would like to add? All I can say is that this was my 1st Exodus trip and it was that amazing, I have already chosen my next trip....I've been back for less than 2 days!Show more
  Traveled in October 2011
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  Katherine Allen

  October 17th, 2011
  5
  We had a fabulous time. The leader was very knowledgeable and the cook was also helpful and friendly. The truck was...
  We had a fabulous time. The leader was very knowledgeable and the cook was also helpful and friendly. The truck was great and the group of travellers we went with were all very nice and interesting people, and we all got on really well together, which was great and added to our enjoyment of the trip. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? It was great to be whizzed ioff immediately on arrival, and coming inclose contact with the 'big five' was just amazing! We have some fab photographs. What did you think of your group leader? He was lovely, very helpful and knew a lot of stuff about everything really! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Just that the matresses that were provided were brilliant so you don't need to bring your own. There was also some confusion on what sort of bag to take as that was not clear from the notes. In the end (after checking with the office) we took a soft 55l (my boyfriend) and 70l (me) bag with wheels and that was fine. We also had a small rucksack each which we really needed. Is there anything else you would like to add? Although it was the most expensive holiday I have ever had, it was worth the money. Everything was well organised,  the tents were nice, the food was great, places to stay well chosen. Overall an unforgettable experience!Show more
  Traveled in September 2011
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  Katharine Trotter

  September 12th, 2011
  5
  Wonderful trip- trip of a lifetime. Our group worked well together, despite a wide range of ages( 16 - 60).The...
  Wonderful trip- trip of a lifetime. Our group worked well together, despite a wide range of ages( 16 - 60).The participatory aspect made one feel one was contributing to the experience. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? So many of different kinds! Seeing the lepoard in its tree with its kill, an antelope, on the next branch. A cheetah trotting across the plains. Lions with their coats stained red from a recent kill. The colours of the birds. Visiting a medical clinic offering free health care to the local Masai What did you think of your group leader? Chris was superb - extremely knowledgeable and very ready to share his knowledge with all of us. Equally willing to help us spot birds. A wonderful sense of humour shared by all 3 staff - especially when the hyena ran off with the bin!  Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Head torch is essential.  The sleeping mats provided were exceptional - we had taken extra air beds but never needed them.  Heed the warnings about cold nights - they are cold!  remember it can rain!  Hot showers do not always materialise. Is there anything else you would like to add? Luggage recommendations:  the travel notes left us slightly confused.  Our main bags went into a huge compartment along with tents etc. Absolute measurements did not matter. Under one's seat in the truck was a small locker, (which could have taken a small day pack)  which one padlocked. This is where we kept our passports, money and any valuable. The truck was never left unattended- someone even slept in it at night for security.  Money; Again, the travel notes were not entirely accurate;The best currency to pay for the Local trips and in the shops and markets was the local Shillings- items were cheaper using these compared with US dollars.  It was definitely best to bring US dollars, but then get them changed into the local currency- usually possible about every second day.Show more
  Traveled in August 2011