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.

Amy Mann

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Written March 2013
The overall organisation of the trip was really good. It is a scenic route, our team of porters were amazing, as were the assistant guides. A character building experience!!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The most inspirational moment for me was looking back at the pictures once back in England. It all seemed so surreal during the trip for one reason and another!!
What did you think of your group leader?
What can I say about our group leader?? He lacked compassion, and lacked the ability to communicate effectively with the group. He was rude on a number of occassions and was insensitive to our individual needs. Not the best person to have alongside you in a challenging environment unfortunately.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
To make sure you take poles, shorts, and a sun hat. You gear up for the cold - but make sure you are equiped for the sunshine!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Trekking up Kili is far from a holiday....
Gary Tyerman

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Written March 2013
A truly amazing experience....the trekking, the people and the country made this an unforgettable trip of a lifetime.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The most inspirational aspect of the trip was the way in which the group was looked after by the African Walking Company. They carried our bags, prepared fantastic meals, always checked that the group were ok physically, set-up our camp, welcomed us back to camp after the summit climb (including brushing the dust off our trousers and shoes)....there wasn't anything they hadn't thought of....then the tipping ceremony on the final morning topped it all off...the Kilimanjaro song brought tears to my eyes.
Obviously reaching the summit and witnessing the sunrise was incredibly special also...as was the meteor that lit up the sky at 3am on summit night.
What did you think of your group leader?
Joseph and his assistant guide, Rob, were brilliant. They organised the camp and the other staff very well and were a pleasure to walk with. Their knowledge of the mountain and the way in which they looked after us was second to none
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The porters and guides look after you...so look after them in return. Take lots of chocolate and sweets to hand out during the trek and take any unwanted clothing too....it'll be warmly welcomed.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I stayed at KIA lodge hotel and they arranged a trip to a local Masai village....it was well worth it and killed a few hours before flying home.
There's too much to say to fit it into a review so if you want to know any more or want some advice then feel free to email me: gary.tyerman@gmail.com
Hakuna Matata!!!
Craig Culbert

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Written February 2013
An amazingly well organised and fantastic trip with a lovely group of people. Something I will never forget!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
By far it was seeing the sunrise at Gilmans Point. Our guide had timed our walk to perfection so that we could enjoy a cup of tea while viewing the curvature of the world, amazing stuff!

Other highlights were mixing with such a fabulous array of people who I got to know. The benefit of having a night in the lodge before and after really broke down the barriers. (the Kilimanjaro beer probably helped also)
What did you think of your group leader?
Our leader Florence knew everything there was to know about climbing to the summit. You felt completely safe with his leadership and guidance and for those unfortunate members of our team who fell ill he took the greatest of care.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
My advice is simple - if you have the time and money to do it, just do it as you will not regret it. Exodus were very organised and supportive in the run up to the trip and the African Walking Company who led us up the mountain were nothing short of brilliant.

Don't shy away from any problems you might have such as altitude sickness. Inform your guide immediately and he will work with you and make it better. These folk climb this mountain every week and have no doubt experienced everything.

Take an iPod for summit night. Walking for 6.5/8 hours can be very tiring in the freezing cold so stimulate the brain as best you can.

Snacks are important for when there is a break in walking. Don't however worry about the food as you will get 3 course meals and believe me we were never hungry. The water they supply is also perfectly fine and not a single member of our 15 strong team had a problem with it.
Drink and eat even if you don't feel like it - it's the best combat against altitude sickness and fatigue.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Book it!

I would do it again but already have my eye on the Everest Base Camp trip.
Victoria Cleaver

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Written February 2013
Toughest but most amazing thing I've ever done in my life!!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The week itself was challenging but more mentally than physically, until summit night which seems never ending... But once you get to the top, you feel elated.
The guides and the porters are with you every step of the way and they themselves were the most inspirational part of the holiday.
What did you think of your group leader?
The local company Exodus use in Tanzania, African Walking Company are faultless. The group leader was knowledgable, inspirational, thoughtful and if it wasnt for him and his team, many of us wouldn't have made it to the summit.
The food they prepare for you on route is unbelievable. 3 course meals, 3 times a day, which gives you everything you need to keep you going. We even had fish and chips one night :)
I can not thank them enough for the hard work they put in during the week.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take wet wipes :) Water for washing is sparse, so take plenty of wet wipes and hand gel.
Also, the first couple of days can be quite hot, so make sure you pack shorts and a sun hat!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you are pondering over booking this, just do it! It's a trip you will never forget. The African Walking Company and Exodus put on an amazing trip!
The solo departures are great. You will be in a group of like minded solo's and will make some great friends, for life
Andy Allan

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Written February 2013
An absolutely brilliant experience, exceptionally hard last couple of days and definately not for the faint hearted.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching the high point at Uhuru Peak was probably the most satisfying as opposed to inspirational moment. There were many inspirational moments ranging from meeting and walking with the other members of the group[ and likewise meeting and walking with the excellent guides.
What did you think of your group leader?
The group leader 'Florence' was of the highest standard and although just my second trip with Exodus I have to say it is what I have come to expect. Florence and his assistants were exceptional throughout the trip providing encouragement and support to everyone, this leads to an increase in confidence knowing you are in safe hands and help is at hand should it be required
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go for it if you feel you can but build up your fitness level to a degree higher than you think you might need, this is not a walk in the park.
Jeff Marshall

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Written February 2013
The toughest, but most rewarding challenge of my life. The trip was simply brilliant.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Standing on the vast emptiness of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks - seeing what we had completed, and what was yet to come, and being in total awe of the whole mountain.
Making way for the porters and support team as they passed us, each carrying 20 kg up the mountain. They did this with politeness, courtesy and always a smile despite the physical effort.
Looking at the huge, clear African sky with more stars than I have ever seen before
Looking up Kibo on summit night at the dozens of headtorches against the blackness of the mountain
Crawling up to Gilman's just in time for sunrise - magical
What did you think of your group leader?
Abraham was always calm, in total control, very patient (despite numerous questions and issues to sort out). There was no doubt about who was in charge, so our group knew we could have complete trust in him.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
This is a trip of a lifetime. If you decide to go for it, the most important thing is to go with an open mind, make the most of every single moment (not just summit night) and enjoy the mountain in its entirety. Take your time, there is so much to see and take in.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
There is so much to say! To make it a bit easier, I actually wrote everything down in an ebook that has now been published on Amazon. Every penny in author's royalties is going to charity. Here is a link:

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It is called 'Pole Pole Up The Rongai - A Personal Account of a Kilimanjaro Trek'
The book includes practical hints and tips, some background about the trip, stuff about equipment, healthcare etc, a diary account and over 40 pictures.
John Carmichael

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Written January 2013
Guides were vey experienced, helpful and friendly. A wonderful country with friendly people. A wonderful experience.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Just getting closer to the mountain. Hard to believe I was finally In Africa, doing what I'd dreamed of doing for so long.
What did you think of your group leader?
Jonas was great. Very friendly and shared a lot of knowledge on the mountains, landscape and wildlife. A really happy guy who wanted to talk about his own life and wanted to know more about British life from us.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The heat is more intense than I thought. Wear a bush hat and keep on with the sun screen (don't forget the back of your hands!!)
Hire a sleeping mat - they're better than the thin one I'd brought.
Get your yellow fever jab and bring the certificate. We were asked for it. One of my fellow climbers had his jab but didn't bring his certificate. It cost him $25. Bit of a scam I think.
Our water was provided chlorinated and food was good, but even using wet wipes and antiseptic hand wash all the time, I still had a two day bug - keep an eye on hygiene as much as you can.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just listen to the guides and they will do their most to get you to the top of Kilimanjaro.