Kilimanjaro Climb - Rongai Route: Tanzania

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 136 reviews.

Emily O'Neill

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Written February 2012
This is a fantastic and unforgettable trip, made a pure delight by the kindness of the guides/porters and the humour of my fellow travellers. It is tough but that is what makes it feel like such an achievement.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
It's difficult to pick one moment. Personally, I loved the summit climb. I was lucky that I didn't really feel any ill effects from altitude on that day and I knew from around 5,000m that I was going to make it.
The guides are the most inspirational aspect of the trip. You have to walk at your own speed and they will support each individual. I had to go ahead of my sister but you KNOW your loved ones will be looked after so you can concentrate on your own journey. It may sound selfish but you will only have enough grit to get yourself up and being able to utterly trust your guides makes that decision easy.
What did you think of your group leader?
Passian was our guide and I trusted him completely. That said, ALL the guides were lovely. Diglan, Christopher, Richard, Ronald and Nelson were our team, and they were all great to chat to. They will solve literally any problem you have, with bags, poles, sunglasses... They were always there to hold things, help with things - and let them! They are much better at this than us so be gracious and appreciative.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
There is lots to think about but mostly, as everyone says, listen to your guides and take things slowly. I was surprised that the walk/altitude is hard RIGHT from the start. Definitely take some snacks. We had isotonic sachets for the summit night which were great as you don't really feel like eating. Remember sunscreen - particularly on your hands!
I would also say don't panic if you start feeling the ill-effects of altitude. Most of us felt terrible at some point but most of us made it up. Just discuss everything with the guides. I felt very nauseous at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m) but after drinking ANOTHER 1 litre of water and a rest I felt better. I was offered Diamox and I took it because I didn't want that nausea to come back and I never looked back!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Everyone says this but enjoy every step and every day. Be prepared, the weather changed every five minutes when we were there which drives you crazy. I wish I'd taken a great compact camera rather than a big one that stayed in my bag. I am stealing photos off other people! Go for it. Don't stress about fitness as it's nothing like running round the park. The only thing that stops people is altitude and that seemed indiscriminate.
If you have any space in your bag, please please take some extra thermals/waterproofs/walking kit to donate to the porters. It snowed while we were there and many of them were totally unprotected from the elements. That is my one regret because you couldn't do it without them.
Enjoy!
simon bennett

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Written February 2012
A TRUELY GREAT EXPERIENCED, SHARED WITH A GREAT BUNCH OF PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE GLOBE, WE COULDT HAVE ASKED FOR A BETTER CROWDFLIGHTS WERE GREAT AND ACCOMADATION WAS FANTASTIC, JUST WISHED WE HAD AND EXTRA DAY THERE AT THE BEGGINING TO REST AFTER THE LONG FLIGHTS, AND AN EXTRA DAY AT THE END OF THE TREK TO RELAX MORE PRIOR TO THE JOURNEY HOME, FOOD WAS GOOD TOO ALONG
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
UNDOUTABLY THE PORTERS, THEY WERE ALWAYS SMILING EVEN WHEN THE GOING WAS TOUGH, AND A CUP OF COOFEE FIRST THING IN THE MORNING AND A WELCOME WAKE MADE YOUR MORNINGS,AFTERNOONS AND EVENINGS
What did you think of your group leader?
GREAT GROUP LEADER WHO WAS BACKED BY A GREAT TEAM OF GUIDES AND MOST IMPORTANTLY GREAT PORTERS, THE LEAD GUIDE WAS ALWAYS CLEAR WITH HIS BREIFINGS AND KNOWLEDGE AND VERY HELPFULL AT ALL TIMES, NO JOB WAS TO DIFICULT FOR HIM TO ARRANGE AND HE WAS IN FULL CONTACT WITH THE US CLIENTS AT ALL TIMES, ESPECIALLY ON SUMMIT DAYS WHEN HE WOULD CHECK US ALL OVER TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL WAS WELL, TOP BLOKE IN OUR OPINIONS WOULD ASK FOR HIM AGAIN FOR SURE
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
THE EVENING BEFORE YOU LEAVE FOR KILI HAVE A FULL KIT CHECK BEFORE LEAVING FOR THE MOUNTAIN, TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE ENOUGH AND ADAQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR THE TREK, IF YOU DONT YOU SHOULD HIRE, THINGS GET TOUGHER AND COLDER AS YOU GO HIGHER SO GO PREPARED WITH PLENTY OF WATER PROOF GEAR AND WARM GEAR, TOP OF THE LIST A PONCHO, GOOD LIP BALM AND FLIP LOCK POLES WITH SNOW BASKETS FOR SUMMIT DAY, A PEICE OF PARA CORD ABOUT 4 METRS LONG MAKES A GOOD DRYING LINE INSIDE YOUR TENT AND CAN BE USED FOR REPLACMENT BOOT LACES SHOULD YOURS BRAKE.
IF YOUR THINKING OF RUNNING UP THIS MOUNTAIN AND WANTING TO BE AT THE FRONT OF THE PACK AT ALL TIMES DONT, REMEMBER YOU ONLY GO AS FAST AS YOUR FORWARD GUIDE, WHICH IS SLOWLY SLOWLY,POLEY POLEY,REMEMBER SOME ONE GOT TO THE TOP MANY MANY YEARS AGO SO YOU AINT GONNA IMPRESS ANYBODY.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
THE PORTERS AND SOME GUIDES HAD VERY LITTLE MOUNTAIN CLOTHING WHICH CAME AS A SHOCK TO ME WHEN THE YOUR COMPANY INFORMES ME IN THE BROCHURE THAT IT TAKES CARE OF ITS PORTERS ETC.
THIS CLEARLY ISNT THE CASE AND EXODUS SHOULD LOOK AT THIS MATTER VERY VERY CLOSELY, IF THE PORTERS CANT MAKE IT THEN WE CANT MAKE IT, AND EACH AND EVERYONE OF THEM SHOULD HAVE ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT TO KEEP THEM DRY WARM AND COMFORTABLE JUST LIKE WE HAVE.
AT NO TIME DID I SEE EXODUS ON ANY STAFF MEMBER, JUST THE AFRICAN WALKING COMPANY ON SHIRTS ETC
THE TREK WAS A COMPLETE SUCCESS FOR SOME OF US BUT I THINK IT SHOULD BE AT LEAST TWO DAYS LONGER, HAVING SUFFERED FROM A.M.S BEFORE I KNOW THE IMPORTANCE OF SLOW ACCLIMATISATION AND I THINK THAT WE WERE VERY LUCKY NOT TO HAVE LOST MORE CLIENTS FROM ALTITUDE RELATED PROBLEMS DUE TO THE RAPID ACCENT.
ALSO THE DIET WAS NOT GREAT AND I THINK THIS NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT , TO GET TO THE TOP WE REQUIRE PLENTY OF ENERGY AND I THOUGHT THAT WE WERNT GETTING THIS FROM THE TYPES OF MEALS BROUGHT TO THE TABLE, WE HAD PLENTY OF SNACKS TO KEEP US GOING BUT SOME NEVER ,LEAVING THEM WEAKER ESPECIALY FOR THE SUMMIT PUSH , IF EXTRA SNACKS WERE PROVIDED DURING THE DAY THIS WOULD HELP
BUT ALL IN ALL IT WAS A FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE THAT I WOULD DO AGAIN, BUT A SLIGHLY LONGER ROUTE FOR SURE
SAFE TREKING
Robert Bates

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Written January 2012
This trip is a perfect way to maximise your chances of getting to the summit of Kilimanjaro.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Obviously getting to the summit, but also knowing that the work put in on the previous days had made it all possible.
What did you think of your group leader?
Joshua had taken up a famous baseball player on his last trip so we felt quite chuffed he was doing us 'normal' people! He was there for you and was the reason I got to the top. His experience meant that we were in good hands and he was also very approachable and you could have a good chat to him about pretty much most things. Overall though he had your best interests at heart which was what counted.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
You really don't need diamox if you follow the advice and structure of the trip. Just set off at the guide's pace, eat the food even if you don't feel like it and drink lots although not too much or you'll flush out all your salts! The summit night is hard because you have walked to the base in the morning, then you do the summit up and down, then walk to the next camp in the afternoon, with no sleep. It's fine though, just go at your pace, don't dress too warmly, if I did it again I'd have 3 layers on the bottom and 5 on top. Down jackets are not necessary if you layer correctly. Hire one of the sleeping mats as it doesn't count towards your allowance that the porters carry and it gives you a good nights sleep. Also there were a lot and I mean a lot of people whose luggage was mysteriously disappearing at the airport and then reappearing a couple of days later. In the meantime you had to hire all the gear that was missing and it's not cheap, some of the hire costs are higher then buying the kit in the UK! 2 out of the 3 people on my trip had their kit go missing. 10 out of 11 on another. It's an issue that needs addressing as the last thing you need is all your expensive kit going walkabouts when you're about to take on such a challenge.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Enjoy the trip as well as the challenge, it's unusual as you have to do all the walking to get to the actual day when I expect most of us are used to driving to the base of most things! The altitude really didn't affect any of us except for small headaches which paracetamol sorted out. The reason was we followed the guide's advice and each day walked high and camped low. It's a great challenge and from what I could see this trip from Exodus is one of the best both in terms of value and for success in getting there.
Samantha Brennan

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Written January 2012
An experience of a lifetime and one I shall never ever forget! Exodus and the African Walking Company were first class. Everyone received superb attention, help and guidance on the climb. Nothing was too much trouble. Some members of the group were ill however all received immediately attention and we're professionally advised. Would highly recommend this trip. Plan your training well, take/hire the right clothing, do as the guides say - "pole pole", eat well and enjoy the experience. We Very proud to say that I made it to the top of Kilimanjaro!
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Louise Harding

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Written January 2012
An absolutely once in a life time experience that I will never forget! From the arrival at the airport in Kilimanjaro, to the camp sites, to the cameraderie, to the final ascent, and to the nice, cold, refreshing Killimanjaro Beer in the hotel when it was all over!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The final ascent, of course! But then I dont think I would have made it without all the wonderful friends I climbed with. We all bonded really well from from the moment we journeyed from the airport to the hotel. The Porters also made me feel very humble too. The do an incredible amount to make the experience unforgettable. We truly could not have climbed without each and every one of them from the helping porters to the guides.
What did you think of your group leader?
Meke, the Head Guide, was the nicest person you could ever meet. Each of the 4 Guides were excellent. You absolutely respected their decisions. If they said you couldn't go on, then you couldn't. Equally, if they felt you had it in you, even though you didn't think you did, they would encourage you to keep going! And we all made it!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Prepare for the dust! There's an incredible amount of it. Try to put all you clean clothes into plastic bags. this will keep the clean stuff seperate from the dusty stuff. Take throat lozenges too. Also have in your mind that its perfectly normal to feel bad. That's what climbing Kilimanjaro is all about. Once you accept that its normal to have a headache and feel a bit sick, then it makes life easier. Also prepare to tip the top rate for the Porters. The do an incredible amount, and carry not just your bag, but anything else they can manage too. And, finally and most importantly, just enjoy every single minute of it! It's over too quickly!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This was the most wonderful experience I've ever had, or ever likely to have! The whole trip, from minute to minute, from beginning to end, was just unforgettable! I really miss the place, and can't wait to go back - not that I need to repeat the climb, been there and done that! Buy a souvenir t-shirt in the shop because, lets be honest, not many people have them and those that do are your new friends! If you are even in two minds about doing this trip, then just book it. You will not regret it! Maybe your family and friends will when you come back tho, because they will be sick of listening to all your stories!
David Bishop

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Written December 2011
A brilliant trip with a great bunch of people.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The midnight start of the summit day with the heart pounding and adrenaline flowing. I would say the summit photo but I was so knackered by then I can hardly remember it!
What did you think of your group leader?
An excellent guide and a great guy to chat to. Very knowledgable, very calm and a good laugh
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Prepare well, grit your teeth and you will get there!
terry stears

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Written December 2011
The trip was exceptional. This was due to four reasons: Great people on trip with me, fantastic guides and support team, excellent organisation from exodus, and some of the best views in the world. I now know that Exodus can be trusted with everything which means that all we had to worry about was ourselves, we never missed any of the ararranged view points and times including sunrise at the summit of Africa, truely breathtaking. The food and camps were excellent as was the knowledge of our guides. A real fun group of people who enjoyed sharing their country and community with us.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Inspiration moment 1
Well, like so many before me and with the aid of Exodus, an item has gone from my to do list and I have summated Kili. We completed all three summit points and getting to the highest point of Africa (Uhuru) and looking out accross the plainsone side and the Glacier the other has to be the most inspirational view I have seen so far.
Inspirational moment 2
This has to be sunrise at Gilmans point, It was a clear and cold morning at 0530hrs and we had just had a very hard summit climb since midnight. After a short final climb up the rocks, we just had time to recover and Richard, my guide said, look.... it was an amzingly clear, full sky sunrise over the whole valley and Mawenzi. Awsome!!:-)

What did you think of your group leader?
Emmanual was our Group leader. His confidence and knowledge comes from the fact that he has been to the top more times than I have had hot dinners!
He knows what to do, what to look for and how to get it done.
He had great command of his whole team and was a genuiine nice guy who alwys had a smile and a laugh when you needed it.
Great guy, highly reccomended.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
1. Listen to all advice from exodus.
2. Talk to them after you have booked.
3. USE the departure lounge. Its a great place to talk to others in your group and also others in previous groups to get tips from.
4. Depending on the season, make sure you protect against the sun as well as the cold as this can catch you out.
5. Dont take too much, many changes of clothes are not needed, nearly allof our group toook too much.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Enjoy it, its well worth doing.
Everest next!!