About Exodus

Have you ever dreamed of watching the sunrise over the plains of East Africa from the majestic summit of Kilimanjaro? Or traveling the fabled Silk Road to China along the Karakorum Highway? Or just having a relaxing week discovering the hidden corners of Tuscany? Or do you simply yearn for a vacation with a difference? Exodus offers you all these things and much more. Since its inaugural trip in 1974, to the Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan, Exodus has fulfilled the dreams and aspirations of adventurous-minded people around the world.

Exodus is a leading adventure travel company based in the UK offering an unrivalled selection of over 300 trips, planned and operated by experts who share a passion for travel.

Exodus trips are neither regimented 5-star packages nor unplanned forays into the unknown: they are authentic experiences of foreign places and cultures, where quality and interest come first. Quality should not be confused with luxury: as Exodus believes that the best way to discover the essence of a country is to use accommodation with character, and transport appropriate to the terrain, whether that is a 4x4 jeep or a camel.

Like the regions visited, these trips come in many different guises. Quite a few are in areas where good roads and hotels do exist: where excitement is combined with comfort. Those taking in deserts, mountains and wilderness regions are necessarily more rugged and participatory, while others, like the classic game safaris, treks and bike rides may involve specific activities.

Whatever your preference, if you have a natural curiosity about the world and a desire to explore it, the chances are that you'll find an Exodus trip to suit you.

Whichever trip you choose, there are several important features common to all Exodus trips:

Group size

All groups are small, with stated minimum and maximum group sizes. The maximum size varies from 8 to 22, though it is usually 16. Small groups provide a better social experience, and in many cases are essential to preserve the integrity of the more remote places that are visited.

Your traveling companions

Many different kinds of people travel with Exodus. They may be 18 or 65 years old, of either sex, alone or with a friend, experienced travelers or complete beginners, but you can be reasonably sure that they will share an interest in travel and exploration, and have a similar attitude of mind. In any group, many participants are likely to have done an Exodus vacation before! They’ll come from various English-speaking countries although a majority is likely to be from the UK.

Exodus staff

Staff are very carefully selected and trained to ensure that your trip is as trouble-free and enjoyable as possible. Many leaders have been running trips for a long time, and many office staff have been leaders first. Regardless of their position, all Exodus staff share a passion for travel.

Accommodation

Exodus trips outside Europe are not really about accommodation in the same way as beach vacations are: a hotel is a place to spend a night or two, not the main focus of the trips. Most of our trips are based on some form of hotel accommodation. Whether they are palaces, pensions or anything in between, they are selected for their charm and local character: multi-national tower blocks rarely feature. In places where there aren't any hotels you may find yourself roughing it for a short time, whether in a tent or a village house. It all adds to the experience, and it doesn't have to be arduous.

A few trips - African safaris and mountain treks are the obvious examples - are based on camping, because of the area and the activities. When camping all the necessary equipment is provided, so that all you need to bring is your sleeping bag and maybe a thermarest.

European "Destinations" trips all stay in small, comfortable hotels and lodges, carefully selected for their charm and location, to give you easy access to the best places from the comfort of your accommodation.

Is it for you?

These trips are for active, flexible-minded people who enjoy the unusual and the adventurous. For trips that have an emphasis on Walking or Cycling, you need to remember that even the easiest walking or cycling involves some exertion, so you should be reasonably fit and sure that you will enjoy the activity, please see our walk grading or our cycling profile section. There will also be times when you will have to put up with temporary lack of civilized comforts, such as a hot shower, or ice in your drinks. If you simply cannot cope with anything unexpected or unusual, or if you have to be waited on hand and foot wherever you are, then these trips are probably not for you.

Trip Notes

For every Exodus trip on this site (except 'D' coded Destinations holidays) you can request a detailed technical Trip Notes. These documents contain a lot more background information such as geography, history, climate and customs, together with an extended descriptive itinerary and other technical details including visas and vaccinations, and can be viewed and downloaded from this site by clicking on the "more details" links on any Exodus trip page.

The Trip Notes will also be sent to you with your booking confirmation, as it is the final definitive statement of inclusions and trip details, and it forms an essential part of the Exodus booking contract with you. Both to aid your understanding and to avoid any misunderstandings, we strongly recommend that you review the Trip Notes before booking.

Exodus, the environment and responsible tourism

As tourism becomes a truly global industry, Exodus recognizes its obligation to operate tours in a responsible and sustainable fashion. They view this not only as an environmental issue but an economic and social one as well. Above all they are committed to the well being of host communities and the natural environment. In 2004 Exodus was awarded the 'Best tour operator' award in the 2004 Responsible tourism awards.