KILIMANJARO, SERENGETI & ZANZIBAR

17 days from GBP3,169 to GBP3,869 including flights+ Kili Park Fees US$635 paid UK
Tripcode: TYC

Countries Visited: Tanzania

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Our Clients’ Reviews

Average Review Rating: from 11 reviews.

Helen Simpson

KILIMANJARO, SERENGETI & ZANZIBAR

Written January 2012
Having travelled with Exodus before I knew this would be a well-organised and special experience but this exceeded my expectations. A truly fantastic holiday - one of the best I've had!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seeing 'The Big Five' (and much more) on safari.
The whole group reaching the summit of Kili at the same time, accompanied by the beautiful singing of our guides.
The Spice Tour and dinner on the beach on Zanzibar.
What did you think of your group leader?
Paulo was brilliant; cool, calm, collected, organised and very knowledgeable; he worked very hard to make the experience very special for us. Most famous for his 4 rules to get you to the top of Kili (proper equipment, pole pole, plenty of water and positive mental attitude), he was also happy to share his experience of belonging to the Masai tribe, his stories are fascinating.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you don't have all the necessary equipment then consider renting it from Exodus rather than buying something you may only use once; the quality is very good and you don't have to worry about it not arriving at the same time as you! Make sure you do have proper equipment as the guides will check this and won't allow you up if you don't.
Take a wide-necked water bottle with a good seal for summit day as it is likely that any platypus system will freeze a few hours into the ascent. You will need to be able to carry at least 3 litres of water per day.
Batteries are really expensive in Tanzania so take enough and if you want to leave a gift for the guides then AAA batteries for head torches are appreciated. Our group also left behind a small amount of walking equipment, spare Diamox and water purification tablets and some first aid items.
You can get away with US Dollars only, although you will sometimes be given change in Shilling even if you've paid with Dollars. Most of us exchanged $50 - 100 to Shilling and this was plenty.
Be aware that in many places the credit card machines (including some of the hotels) don't work so take plenty of cash.
There are plenty of opportunities to do laundry so you don't need to overpack.
Don't forget that the luggage limit for the internal flight from Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar is 20kg i.e. less than for the international flights.
Although you do need to be reasonably fit to get to the summit, a certain amount of determination is also needed, summit day is very tough but it is worth it. The other days are relatively easy.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you want to do it and are reasonably fit and determined and don't mind being dirty for 6 days in a row then book it, you won't regret it.
Clare Sparling

KILIMANJARO, SERENGETI & ZANZIBAR

Written March 2011
This was a fantastic trip, and i would highly recommend it but be prepared for a hard trek. I think it was great that we did the safari first (gave us time to get over the long flight before climbing kili). We were all really looking forward to Zanzibar as a great reward for our efforts on the mountain
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
At one point i was so close to a lion that i could have reached out and touched her!
Getting to the top of Kili was a fantastic moment and we were rewarded with an amazing view from the roof of africa.
What did you think of your group leader?
John was great, he had climbed kili lots of times and gave excellent advise. He really cared about the people in the group and would do what he could to help or advise. I think that John and all our mountain guides and porters were excellent.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Make sure you take some essential items in your hand luggage and wear your hiking boots. If you are travelling with a friend pack half your stuff in each others bags. My bag was delayed and i had to go and buy a few t shirts and underwear to keep me going for a few days. The stress of this would have been reduced if i had been a bit more prepared (this does happen a fair bit easpecially in Africa). My bag did eventually catch up with me a few days later!
Make sure you take warm gloves! keeping warm is important so you have one less thing to worry about while climbing the mountain and one less thing for your body to try and deal with!
Keith Parr

KILIMANJARO, SERENGETI & ZANZIBAR

Written January 2011
Fantastic and varied trip - so good that I am planning to return this year. If you are thinking of doing it, do it now! You won't be disappointed.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seeing the tough porters flying past us at full pace every day, fully laden, including a mature woman who could not have been more than four feet tall!
Everywhere, the people of Tanzania, who seem to have a tough life, are so cheery and friendly. Incredible.
The majesty of the mountain alongside the wonder of the wildlife - all breathtaking.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our chief guide, Jackson could not do enough for us. He was very helpful and knowledgable along with the whole team. Jackson and his team were genuinely friendly and nice to know.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Read the posts for this and similar trips. All advice is good advice. Be prepared for a lot of travelling but embrace it as part of the adventure. Tanzanian life is fascinating as are the people.
Take a good camera (two to be on the safe side) and plenty of memory cards (or film) but equally don't spend the whole time behind a lens.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The strangers I met as fellow adventurers went their separate ways as good friends with a fantastic set of shared experiences.
Nicola Hardy

KILIMANJARO, SERENGETI & ZANZIBAR

Written August 2010
A fantastic trip - offering flavour of the variety that East Africa has to offer.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seeing the first smudge of sunrise as we approached Gilman's Point. It meant we were nearly there - a feeling that cannot be underestimated after the walk on summit night. Reaching Uhuru was quite a moment too, to know you are at the top of the highest free standing mountain in the world is something that cannot be explained simply with words.
The joy of sleeping after the longest day of walking I have ever done. I sort of thought that the 13 - 15 hours walking outlined in the itinerary for that day was an exaggeration - its not!!
The guides were amazing - I would not have reached the top but for Nyman who was patient, kind and full of the corniest lines I have ever heard. He was my Fairy Godfather - what a guy!!!
The kindness and supportiveness of the group with which I travelled. There was a real sense of 'we are in this together' and everyone looked out for each other.   No one moaned or groaned, just laughed and provided a constant stream of entertainment.
Lions by the dozen in the Serengeti were astonishing, in fact the whole safari experience was utterly amazing.
The beach in Zanzibar.   After a week with no facilities, the beach resort in Zanzibar was like heaven on earth.
What did you think of your group leader?
John was brilliant - he had the right balance of everything.    He was serious when he needed to be but lightened the mood in a flash with his humour and dodgy rendition of John Denver songs. Getting us from start to finish in one piece was no mean feat and he did in a way that ensured we got the absolute best from our trip.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The trek up the mountain cannot be underestimated. Train, train and then train some more.  It doesn't guarantee you'll get to the top but it helps. Alot!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just get your boots on and go!
Kemberly Edwards
KILIMANJARO, SERENGETI & ZANZIBAR

Written April 2010
A fabulous trip allowing travellers to take an intimate glimpse at the people, wildlife, and varied ecosystems within Tanzania. I loved the constantly changing locations and conditions, ranging from a frost covered tent pitched on a rocky mountainside to a delux seaside resort in a tropical paradise. This trip provided everyting: adventure, comfort, and fun.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I have two inspirational moments, each from the Kilimanjaro trek:
On day 5, as we made our trek to the summit, I was constantly inspired by the guides' cheerful encouragement and careful attention to everyone's condition. I will never forget climbing "pole pole" (slowly slowly) up the scree under the vast stary sky in the bitter cold, listening to the assistant guides singing quietly and watching our head guide, Passion, dancing along with each step.
On the final day of our Kilimanjaro climb, everyone gathered outside the tents for an exchange of thanks and gifts. Our team, humbled by the invaluable contribution of the porters, cooks, assistant guides, and guide, tried our best to express our gratitude to the team through a translator (and tips). In return, the team serenaded us with two local songs: Kilimanjaro and Jambo. Hearing their beautiful harmonies and seeing the joy on their faces despite the challenges they face made the entire trip worthwhile.
What did you think of your group leader?
Nathan was a hoot! A classic adventurer, he was easy to talk to, kept the team upbeat, and was well organized. Leading a group of 17 folks must have been a challenge, but we never faced a hiccup. He was well informed, providing tips to help us save a little money here & there, which was a really nice bonus.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Ensure you have a very warm sleeping bag for the climb. I nearly froze at night, as my sleeping bag was only rated for -7C.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I tell everyone they should go! I had a fabulous time, start to finish, and I'd go again in a heartbeat!
Sally-Anne Stone

KILIMANJARO, SERENGETI & ZANZIBAR

Written January 2010
A trip that I will never forget. To be able to see all the big five and many more in the serengeti was amazing. What can I say about Kilimanjaro it was worth every ounce of effort to get to the top.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Making it to the top of kilimanjaro
What did you think of your group leader?
Andrew was very knowledgable and made the trip run smoothly. When we caught the end of the migration in the Serengeti his excitment was infectious and was great to see.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Train hard for the walk but if you have an ambition to walk Kilimanjaro there is no better company to take you there.
alan finlayson

KILIMANJARO, SERENGETI & ZANZIBAR

Written March 2009
Three fantastic adventures, blended to produce one exhilarating trip. Safari !, Kilimanjaro climb !! and Zanzibar!!! - this simply cannot be beaten. The trip of a lifetime!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seeing Kili from the plane as we arrived in Tanzania,
The wildebeest migration stretching as far as the eye could see - and that was very far!
Views of Kili from hotel in Arusha
Come to think of it, views of Kili from anywhere on the trip.
Reaching Gilmans point and seeing the sunrise reflecting of the summit glaciers - also the whole group getting to the summit.
The deserved r +r period at Fumba, absolute paradise, if Kili was my main draw then Fumba was my main reason for wanting to stay
What did you think of your group leader?
Are there enough superlatives?
Sara was brilliant. Well organised, very experienced. She looked after us all and kept us motivated, She was our mother, sister and best friend all rolled into one. Simply the best!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
This is one trip you must do before you die - it will be even harder after you are dead lol!
Seriously though, this is a perfect trip itinerary for climbing Kili and seeing some of Tanzanias best sights. The safari alone was worthy of the journey there. Add in the Kili climb and the fantastic Zanzibar stay and you will find that adventure holidays just don't come any better packaged.
Drink lots of water, use lots of sunscreen and walk slowly, -but you will be told that when you get there - and about every other hour while you are there.
Stone town is quite dark at nights and can be a little bit intimidating if you are new to that sort of thing, I had no problems on my own but you are probably best to stay in a group and carry a torch, although I never used mine. It can be good fun exploring the alleys.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Do this trip. This was my 13th Exodus trip and whilst they have all been great this tops the lot. My one and only lifetime goal was to climb Kili and after 2years of looking at various companies and even trying to do it independently, i decided to stick with Exodus and i am absolutely and totally glad that I did!
If you have even the remotest interest in climbing Kili then this trip must be seriously considered!