Kilimanjaro Climb

Hi John

I think this is the trip I've just booked although the flight leaves the UK on 2nd? I'm a little excited and very scared as it's now dawning on me what I've done! Apparently I'm the 5th person to book, there are already 2 other solos and a couple booked. At least I'll have a legitimate excuse for eating all the Christmas chocolate! Have you done anything like this before?

Vicki

Hi Vicki,

Yes, it's the same trip I booked my own flights to avoid an over-nighter! Don't be scared I am sure we will all look after you. Feel free to bring as much chocolate as you want, I for one will help you out with that if you can't manage it all!

I am another of the solos so we have one further solo and a couple so far by the sound of it.

I have done a few climbs in NZ, Grand Canyon and plenty of skiing over the years though not at 19000 feet! How was Machu Picchu?

John

In a word, amazing! I really enjoyed the Inca Trail. I've just heard from someone who was on that trip and she's coming on this trip too, so that makes at least 6 of us! I just need to do a bit of research on what to take. I've accumulated a few things over the years but I'm sure I'll need a few more additions or at least replacements of worn out things!

hello vicki & john, it is the first Exodus trip for me but I have heard good things about this route. I am off to see some friends who did the same trip 12 months ago and will see if I can pick their brains for useful tips.I am booked on the flight on 2 January.

nick o'rourke

Hi Nick, good to hear from you. Any tips gratefully received! I paid the balance for the trip today which means it'll soon be here and at the moment there are still just the 6 of us. Just over 8 weeks to go!

Vicki

Hi Everyone

Does anyone have any thoughts on visas? I was going to leave it until I got there. I didn't have any problems getting one on arrival in Kenya a couple of years ago, but that was Kenya and not Tanzania! John, in response to your earlier question, as I don't have a sleeping mat I've decided to hire one.

Vicki

I dropped my passport in to the embassy with a special delivery sae and they sent it back 3 days later, not sure how long it takes at the airport.

Yes I hired bag/mat/jacket/poles thinking it would leave more room in the suitcase for chocolate!

A pal of mine did the same route earlier this year and his three top tips were diamox, playing cards and a pee bottle for the nights! Bliss.

John

Hiya Diamox, pee bottle, calories for the last day, a water bottle in addition to platypus/water system as it freezes on the last day early start, duct tape to repair ground mat if needed, er... That's it. I hadn't clocked the need for a visa prior to travelling. Trying to get fit, there aren't many hills to practice on in Hampshire. Nick

How's everyone doing? No hills here in West Norfolk either! I have been trying to make the most of the gym but I'm struggling a bit at the moment with an old injury that's come back to haunt me so I'm having to take it a bit easy which is a quite frustrating. Hopefully I can get it sorted in the next week or so. My Exodus kit bag arrived the other day which means its getting close! Thinking about this trip has been a great distraction from Christmas!

sorry to hear about the injury. 4 weeks to settle...

I am going to leave the visa until we arrive. I don't fancy sending my passport off at this time - could get delayed.

 do we know how many are on our trip?

nick o'rourke

Last time I checked (a couple of weeks ago) there were 7 of us booked. Leaving my visa until I get there too. Got some Diamox just in case - I think I'll try a couple of pills this week to make sure I don't have any strange reactions - I guess its better to find out now rather than on the side of a mountain! Vicki