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.

Samantha Jones

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Written October 2011
This holiday (if you can call it that) was the best but hardest experience of my life. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment and couldn't have asked to spend my 10 days with a better bunch of friends or porters from the African Walking Company!!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching the Summit of course - but i could not have done it without the great friendship from the other members within my group, or the experteese of the porters.
What did you think of your group leader?
My group leader was amazing, his English was brilliant and very knowledgeable - he was very thorough in explanations and i would go as far as saying he saved one of my friends - he was very ill and despite wanting to complete the challenge my guide gave him medication and advice to stop! He was very funny and an asset to our team.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take disposible wipes with you - i brought mine from waitrose! Take a good waterproof jacket if not a poncho. my waterproof jacket turned out to be non waterproof and i got soaked, plus my back pack soaked, however one of the porters leant me his spare poncho which was brilliant, it covered me and my back pack so thats defo an essential. Take a high factor sun cream!!! if you think your just going to face snow your wrong, the sun is very hot and i got sun stroke - one of my friends got badly burnt so take like a 25 or even a 50 factor of cream. Make sure you take a hat too. otherwise i couldnt have had better thermals then morino wool. They were amazing, expensive yes but the best thing. Otherwise pack light!
PS you dont need the yellow fever vaccine, i didnt take malaria tabs but i was the only one in my group that didn't. I did take altitude sickness drugs! Make sure you take some anti biotics with you! MUST!!! i got very ill and had gastroenteritus and UTI if i had anti bots with me i would have been able to start treatment alot earlier.
I went to see the waterfalls and the villiage before we left but wished id have had more days to do a safari or zanzibar so look into that
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The guides from the African Walking Company certainly made my challenge special, i was shocked at the outstanding level of hygiene and facilities we had, the meals were out of this world and the tents were up ready for you on arrival. I was disgusted though at what little equipment the guides and porters had, some were walking the mountain in flip flops and jeans. This was appauling considering the amount of money we paid for the trip that the company couldnt even provide boots or decent clothing for them. I think i only brought a pair of trousers home with me i gave the rest to the guides. They go out of thier way to help you and would rather go without then see a member of the group suffer. I couldn't have got to the top without these guys so thanks!
Sarah Brennan

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Written October 2011
This was the year when I wanted to do something exceptional (turning 40 makes you evaluate things somewhat!). Having listened to a colleague who had completed the Kilimanjaro challenge previously, the idea took seed and I eventually took the plunge and booked with Exodus. Alongside preparing myself for the physical challenge, Exodus were great at preparing me with tips on practical planning and ensuring everything was well organised.We were given ample opportunity to get to know the rest of the group of walkers and by the time the trekking commenced, we had forged friendships which will continue well beyond the holiday. The guides and porters who supported us throughout our trek were outstanding, both in help and friendliness. I am in awe of their positive attitude and physical stamina!The climb was tough, both physically and mentally but through the support of guides, portering staff and our new-found friendships, I was thrilled to reach the summit and be rewarded with a huge sense of achievement. The phrase 'on top of the world' has taken on a whole new meaning to me.I will never forget this trip; challenging, rewarding and motivational. I would urge anyone to do it!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Arriving at Uhuru Peak, the true summit, was overwhelming. Alongside the enormous sense of achievement, it gave me the opportunity to reflect on how impressive our planet truly is and has left me still with a renewed perspective on life. 'Hakuna matata'....no worries!
What did you think of your group leader?
Meke, our head guide, was a natural leader, not through dominance, but through people naturally looking to him for his calm, steering influence. Knowledgable and motivational, it was a real honour to be supported through this trip by him and his team.
It was evident that the staff were happy to work for Exodus, who support the local community financially and educationally. This heavily influenced my decision to book with Exodus.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Remember to listen to the guides' advice! They have climbed Kilimanjaro so many times that they know what they're talking about. 'Pole pole', meaning 'slowly, slowly', is very important to embrace, as it increases the chances of summiting and also provides the opportunity to enjoy the awesome natural beauty of the climb. In addition, invest in good quality drinking water bottles/systems as continuous hydration is essential.
I have never felt so cold as I did overnight at the higher altitudes, so do remember thermal base layers and some wool socks!
Digital cameras may stop working at higher altitude due to the cold, biut I carried mine inside a 'bum bag' around my middle which kept it warm enough to keep working all the way to the summit. A manual camera is a good back-up plan, since it is essential to bring back the proof of your success for all those sceptical friends and family!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I cannot express strongly enough how much I would recommend climbing Kilimanjaro with Exodus! The personal satisfaction, the friendships forged through sharing such an intense experience, and the truly inspirational support from the guides and porters makes this the trip of a lifetime. From booking, to now posting my review 3 months later, I have not lost my sense of excitement and wonder at the privelege of having been somewhere so spectacular....DO IT!
George Robson

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Written October 2011
Not a thing I did not like - but as this was my 4th trip that's hardly surprising. This time - no anxiety - no stress - just trying hard to make myself a part of the mountain. It does work - believe me.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I deliberately opted not to do the summit climb in favour of spending time at Kibo. Walking part way up whilst others were coming down - time to take in the view - realising that even at 17,000 feet my pulse was normal and waking up to see Mawenzi, the camp and the main route up covered in snow - my first snow on the mountain on my 4th trip. Let's not forget either the ascent to Kibo from the Saddle - walking an hour in horizontal sleet without a care in the world and not the slightest inclination to hurry - so un-me. Finally the guides - maybe because it was my 4th trip and I am 60 they seemed to treat me as a bit special (or possibly mad!!)
What did you think of your group leader?
Highly competant
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I have seen people die on the mountain, fit strong mountaineers descending looking like old men, people who made it easily to the top unable to remember anything about summit day and I have also seen a lady of 70 reaching the summit carring her guides rucksack. After 4 trips I have learned the truth - you rush (fight) the mountain at your peril. Go slower than you want to - the mountain will wait. Stop when told to. Talk less that you want to. Become a part of the mountain and you will make it.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I loved the place, the people and every moment of every trip. This has got to be the second best place in the whole world to visit. (The best? - try an extended stay in Bolivia)
Shannon Pearce

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Written September 2011
Once in a lifetime, stunning experience....Exodus did it again!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching Gilman's and realising I could try to reach Uruhu which I thought was beyond me. Also seeing the posters do their ceremony at the end of the trip, watching their faces light up, seeing their appreciation and sharing the donations we had supplied to them.
What did you think of your group leader?
Awesome! Priscus was not only great with us but also ovserving him with his team, he always seemed really fair, in control and encouraging by letting the other guides get involved in everything. He clearly wanted what was best for us AND for all of his staff. Was really refreshing to see. His knowledge was brilliant, all the guides had amazing knowledge and all did their best to get to know us all and that made us pull together as a team. What an amazing group of people!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Pole, Pole! Slowly, slowly! No need to rush, take your time, enjoy the views. Drink loads and eat pleanty, you need the energy - the food made was amazing throughout the trip so enjoy it!
Take some snacks with you, you will especially need something for summit day, so try some sugary type things, squares of chocolate or nuts/dred fruit.
Take babywipes and a flannel for 'washy, washy' and a small bar of soap. Might sound obvious but I didn't realise we would have access to a small bowl of water most days which was great.
Take layers, also if you have some old clothers that you may not wish to keep after the trip, please take them with you and leave them for the porters once the trip is complete.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This was an amazing trip, be prepared to work hard, it might look easy-ish on paper but it's not all easy peasy! It was the trip of a lifetime, the group bonded so, so well and EVERY single porter went out of his or her way to help. The trip is organised brilliantly so you don't have to worry about anything.
Stick it out, the views are simply stunning and pictures don't do them justice.
POLE, POLE and when you are ready...TWENDE!!!!!!
:-)
Steve Williams

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Written September 2011
A truly memorable trip to Tanzania and reaching the roof of Africa - no better way to spend your honeymoon!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seeing the sun rise at Gilman's point was breath-taking - a welcome relief from the trek up to the summit in the dark and cold. The final hike to Uhuru peak was surpisingly straightforward and the photos at the true summit were amazing - and have no formed the basis of out wedding thank-you cards!
What did you think of your group leader?
Our leader was very experienced. Some of the rules and advice for high altitude trekking may seem counter-intuitive but the leaders explained the kit, clothing and techniques simply and effectively. They all had a great sense of humour and motivated us throughout.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
My advice for potential travellers -
1) make sure you are fit! There were marathon runners and tri-athletes in our group - we all found the final summit hard to reach but it was a real team effort to get there.
2) Try to keep your water bottles warm during the summit ascent - trying to drink semi-frozen water is a horrible experience when you have to stay hydrated
3) If reaching the summit is your goal do everything you can to maximise the acclimatisation. Arrive a few days early and walk around the local area which will be at more altitude than you are used to.
4) Don't forget the suntan lotion on the summit ascent (like I did). Sun at 6000M will burn your face to a crisp - I had chapped lips for days after
5) Get a comfortable 35 litre day sack (eg Osprey)
David Sheppard

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Written September 2011
An amazing time. From start to finish one of the most enjoyable things that I have ever done. Cannot fault it at all. Great food, great company and many friends made
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Obviously getting to the summit was special but I also found the tipping ceremony to be very humbling.
What did you think of your group leader?
Naihman (spelling) was an absolute star although it would be wrong not to mention all the guides who did their upmost to unsure that as many as possible made it to the top
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
It's all been said before - listen to the guides, pole pole etc. A few people have suggested a nail brush to help clean hands. As the rongai route is so dusty I would also suggest a thin pair of gloves to be worn as well because the nail brush will not cut the mustard on it's own. Also wearing gaitors from the off would help. (you may not win any style awards but hey who cares) A few of the group took diamox to help. I took one tablet and it made me feel quite ill. Nausea and an awful lot of toilet trips. 2.5 litres overnight. I took anadin extra after and didn't suffer again from any symptoms. Apart from that give away as much kit as you can afford (or even if you cannot)- the porters and guides work exceptionally hard and when you see them running past you with a massive bag on their heads and their own kit but flip flops on their feet and old T-shirts etc it makes you realise how fortunate we are. As the head guide said to me at the tipping ceremony "in Tanzania we have a saying that what you give in this world god will give you inthe next" it does make it worthwhile.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Perhaps better arrangements for getting back to airport. There was no rep when we had to leave and the bus was 45 minutes late which wasn't ideal
David Ashby

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Written September 2011
A fantastic trek, excellently organised and guided by the team. Don't be fooled that it's easy just because Chris Moyles or Cheryl Cole can do it - 6 out of 12 in our group made it to Uhuru, with 9 out of 12 to Gilman's point. The summit evening is a real slog but well worth it at the top.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching the top and walking by the glaciers on the way to Uhuru. The summit day wasvery difficult but well worth it.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our guide was excellent (as we have always found with Exodus) - he really helped some of the team make it to the top and looked after the group very well. The entire team of guides and porters were excellent
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The full moon trek ascent was well worth it so it wasn't pitch black when climbing to Gliman's point. Take a SIGG water bottle so you can fill it with hot-water and use as a hot water bottle in the evenings. Get an insulated tube cover and mouthpiece cover for your camel bak.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Brilliant trip. Well worth it. And perfect if you're lucky enough to be able to tag on safari and zanzibar too.