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 135 reviews.

Louise Elliott

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Written November 2011
The 6 day trip culminating in ascending Kilimanjaro was the best thing i ve ever done in my life-the very hardest but the most special.The team looking after us just could not have been more generous in their time energy and spirit.They were proud of their country and wanted us to have the best time we possibly could- and we did!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
To be walking and constantly be shadowed by Kilimanjaro was exciting and nerve wracking.The whole group knew we were gearing up to the summit night but we all enjoyed every day leading upto that time.Walking slowly all day and coming into camp-the smell of deliciuos food and the thought of a cosy tent was a great feeling.I was inspired by the team looking after us- The African Walking co -the leaders were heavenly-caring for us all and helping in every way posssible to get us nearer to our goalThe whole trip was inspirational-all our individual efforts to overcome challenges-be they sickness,fatigue,worry or doubt-all the efforts from the team behind us-the wonderful scenery and amazing lanscapes.100% inspiring!!!!
What did you think of your group leader?
Henry Fernandez was a legend!!! A kind gentle responsible caring chap-who we learnt had trained to be a Priest-the church s loss was our gain!!!he headed a team of wonderful leaders-Davis-the most gorgeous kind funny and thoughtful man that I could have walked for days with,Jonath-dear and kind.John-interested and interesting considerate and gentle.Obote-my hero-without whom I would not have made it up that darn mountain!!!!-and many more-caspar and Trophid the chef-but really the whole team-from the all important toilet monitor-who carried it and serviced it the whole trip!-to ALL the cheery hardworking porters.What did I think of them all??? I LOVED THEM!!!!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Really dont fret or worry beforhand.As long as you are fairly fit and well you will be fine-unless altitude sickness picks you off-and that just random.A lot of the achieving is down to attitude-and there are times you must dig deep but its all possible.camping is a challenge-be organised-take as little as possible-you will wear pretty much the same every day! Wet wipes -always useful.Favourite snack and sweets -and I took Marmite-that got me through!!!Dont fixate on THE SUMMIT-enjoy EVERY bit of the trip-it flies by and you probably wont repeat the trip-so enjoy every day.Appreciate all the effort that is being made for you-and shoe that gratefulness to the team.Good boots,warm layers and positive mental attitude-thats all you need!!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
After having achieved Kili I almost feel i can take on any challenge!!! I may give altitude and feezing cold a wide berth for a while but when i next think something is difficult i ll think back to summit night and how hard I had to try to get to the top-but resisting the huge temtation to turn back-constantly thinking-I wont be here tomorrow or next week -this is my only chance!!I fell in love with Africa and long to return-and admired and felt so fortunate to be looked after by such a strong responsible caring team.it was all over too quickly !!
Would I do it all again??? YOU BET!!!!-and after summit night I vowed a million quid wouldnt get me to do that again!!!!funny how time deletes pain and hardship and leaves fond memories and highlights behind.
Christopher Stott

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Written November 2011
Thanks to Exodus and the local company (African Walking Company) this trip far exceeded my expectations. An amazing experience, listen to your guides! Really glad we did the Rongai route as opposed to other busier routes.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching the top, but also see the people who struggled (the altitude effected everyone differently) get to the top too. Hearing the stories and lives of the staff on the trip.
What did you think of your group leader?
Exceptional. It's rare I say that, but really I was (as were the others in my group) astounded by just how good these guys were.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Listen to the guides. Drink LOTs of water - don't be shy ladies, it's the best way to acclimatise. Each as much as you can. Talk to the people, they want to practice their English and have fascinating stories. Don't scrimp on warm socks and gloves for summit night.
Try and remember to be 'present' in your trip, especially when you get to the top. This is an amazing experience.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you're on the fence, don't be. Life is too short. This is an amazing challenge. It takes will power but the guides and group will pull you through. You are in incredibly safe hands with these people and you will have a life changing experience.
Philip Hope

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Written October 2011
Not a holiday. A fantastic experience. A lot harder than I thought.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching the summit first at 5:20am. The camaraderie you can achieve with what is effectively a stranger when you achieve your goal.
What did you think of your group leader?
Florence was very good, as were all the other guides, porters and cooks of which there are around 40. He kept his eye on us and tried to tailor the speed at which we walked to each individual. He spoke to each person individually every morning and every evening to make sure everything was ok.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Have enough dollars for the tip which adds a fair bit to the holiday.
Wear sufficient layers but don’t over do it, you will warm up when you walk.
I understand pole, pole but walk at the pace you are comfortable with. Listen to your body and what it’s telling you.
Your hands get filthy.
I personally didn’t wear or need to wear gaiters, but walking poles helped significantly, especially on the final push for the top.
Some took Diamox some did not. Again, know your own body and listen to it; if you have a headache take something, if you don’t then don’t take something.
On the day you climb to the top you will have breakfast at 23:30. You probably won’t feel like eating porridge. You will need a lot of energy so force yourself to eat.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you want beautiful scenery and slow acclimatisation go to Everest and Gokyo lakes. If you want a challenging walk in less beautiful scenery in a much shorter holiday then climb Kili.
Charlotte Gill

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Written October 2011
I can see now why the trip notes refer to some people saying this is the hardest thing they have ever done. I'd agree - but the exhillaration and sense of acheivement made this one of the most rewarding things I have ever done too.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching Uhuru Peak - the holy grail for all kili climbers!
What did you think of your group leader?
Henry Fernandes of African Walking Company was fantastic. A true gentleman with exceptional mountain knowledge and a sense of humour - a real gem! Henry we salute you!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Summit day is tough, making things comfortable on the way up really helps. Make sure you take serious sunscreen - proper high factor ski-type sunscreen. Even the standard factor 30s-50s were struggling at altitude. Take boiled sweets, they really help with energy and motivation. Take rehydration salts. Number one - listen to your guide!
Carina Oliver

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Written October 2011
This was an incredible trip! I hugely enjoyed the challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro and would highly recommend this trip to those of you that are seeking a holiday adventure! It was a very well organised trip from beginning to end.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Flying into Tanzania from Kenya we got the most amazing view of the challenge we were going to face - absolutely awesome! Kilimanjaro didn't reveal itself again from behind the cloud until we were in our second camp on a starry night with a bright moon. It was a spectacular and magical view that I won't ever forget! We didn't see the peak again until we were standing on it a few days later!
What did you think of your group leader?
Our head guide, Davis from the AWC, was exceptional! He was a natural leader with a great sense of humour which really made our trip fun. He organised us and the rest of his team with great skill but above all kept us all safe on the mountain. The rest of the team were excellent too - the assistant guides, cook and porters were a fantastic team that worked very hard to make our holiday enjoyable, memorable and safe. Well done to the AWC!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do not underestimate the challenge involved in climbing Kilimanjaro - it is a tough but hugely rewarding and fun experience! Enjoy the journey as well as the ultimate goal of standing on the roof of Africa! If you don't like camping, going to the loo in a bucket and all that goes with a multi day walk this trip really, really isn't for you! Be prepared for the cold and rain - make sure your kit is up to scratch and that you have plenty layers! You will be very well fed so there is no need to take mountains of snacks with you - spare your porter the extra weight as trust me you won't need loads of extra food, just the odd snack and some chocolate or sweets will do! My biggest piece of advice is drink plenty water as it really does help with acclimatisation - I drunk about 5 litres of water a day and am convinced it helped me get to the top. Finally, a positive mental attitude undoubtedly helps (and it is more enjoyable for your fellow climbers!) but do listen to your body and the guides!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Good luck to those of you that decide to go for it! Enjoy!!
Nadine Vermeulen

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Written October 2011
Everything from the pre-trip support (to calm my nerves) to the guides and dirvers was unfaultable. Organisation of the trip was fantastic. Catering climbing up a moutain 5*! We were looked after in every way to ensure reaching the destination of the summit and back was accomplished. Could not ask for more!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Making it to the Summit. Watching the sunrise at Gilman's point was also a highlight. But what amazed me the most was the porters carrying my 15kg bag plus there necessities and food etc.
What did you think of your group leader?
Very knowledgable
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Follow the kit list- it is invaluable!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This is a trip of a lifetime and I would highliy recommend doing a safarai afterwards. Tangerie National park and teh lodges we stayed in through Exodus were out of this world. I fell in love with Tanzania and will definatley be going back and using Exodus repeatedly!
joanna laszczyk

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Written October 2011
Amazing. It was really hard to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, but it was so memorable and just extraordinary. The guides and porters were great, dedicated, helpful and with knowledge about climbing.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The summit night when we were not far from the summit and we saw some people struggling from another group and group leader was able to recognise what support need each of us, motivate us etc.
What did you think of your group leader?
The Chief guide Meke was very, very good with managing everything and supporting, motivating us etc.
Thanks to him, his patience and calm atitude i climed it.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Train, read a lot about trip, be aware that you need to be determind but you can do it.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I am sure i will undertake another challange next year.