East Africa Bird watching Trips

This was a wonderful late April holiday in Portugal, my first with Exodus. The itinerary and accommodation were first class. Everything was so well organised and very diverse, the walking covering beautiful countryside and woodland as well as stunning coastal paths. As it was Springtime everything seemed to be in full bloom which was an added delight. As a group of eight coming together for the first time we gelled well together and enjoyed some wonderful walks, meals and activities together. The friendly, gracious and careful way in which our group leader Inês managed the tour was admirable. The additional activities and learning about flora, fauna, and Portuguese customs were perfect additions to the holiday. The bread baking, olives, ceramics, wine and an artisan olive oil producer provided a holistic and rounded experience of the Algarve for us all.

Discovering the Algarve in Portugal was fantastic. Experiencing its beauty by exploring scenic hiking trails was the right way to go. Meeting charming local business owners and talented artisans along the way enhanced the trip. Hearing the story behind a family-run olive oil press or discovering how locally grown berries are transformed into liquors gave us insight into the passion people feel for their land and how they live on it. Sampling the local wines and savoring delicious meals at cozy restaurants was a bonus.

This journey through Ecuador showcases its dramatic landscapes, unique wildlife, and warm local culture. What makes it especially compelling is the opportunity to experience the country as locals do, staying in locally run accommodations rather than traditional cruises, particularly in the Galapagos, offers a more authentic and often overlooked perspective. The Galapagos feels incredibly safe and close‑knit, with a strong sense of community that stands out alongside the extraordinary wildlife.

I enjoyed this trip so much, we saw so many animals in the beautiful National parks and the lodges were comfortable and relaxing at the end of the day. Each day was very full and there is a lot of moving from place to place, but that meant we experienced different environments and were able to see a great variety of birds and animals. It was also interesting when we passed through towns bustling with people, on Sundays children in their best clothes going to church, lots of little stalls with fruit and veg, children going to school and Masai herding their cows, sheep and goat by the side of the busy roads.

As with all our previous Exodus trips we had a great time. We were with a friendly group of fellow travellers and the itinerary went pretty much like clockwork. Our flights back were cancelled owing to the Middle East Crisis but Exodus came to our rescue and rebooked flights via a different route and by necessity extended our stay by 2 nights. Massive thanks to Exodus for their help and making the whole thing stress free.

From beginning to end this was a fabulous holiday! The ship and its crew were amazing. Spotlessly clean and always attentive 5 days aboard this ship was a great pleasure. The food was 5* all the way, delicious and plentiful, with frequent snacks and creative juices at every break. The tour was well paced with loads of activities, hiking and snorkeling and informative talks. The naturalist guide, Carlos, was one of the best. Enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeable, he is passionate about the Galapagos and maintaining it pristine qualities. Wild life was abundant and snorkelling with fish, turtles and even penguins.. it was a trip of a life time. The chef was very attentive to my restrictive diet, being celiac. Did I mention the food??? First class all the way!