Kilimanjaro & Safari

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...

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  N G

  KILIMANJARO & SAFARI

  

  Written January 2012

  This is a fantastic couple of weeks during which time you are sure to make great friends with fellow trekkers.   The bonding time on the Mountain means friendships are well established by the time of the Safari which makes everything more fun. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  We didn’t have one trip leader because trip was split into 2 very different sections.   Naimann from the African Walking Company, Joseph, Reuben and Robinson were faultless guides on the Mountain.  Our safari driver was incredibly helpful, punctual and went out of his way to ensure we got the most from our viewing experience.  

  What did you think of your group leader?

  I am not sure anything was inspirational but the whole 2 weeks was thoroughly enjoyable and is definitely to be recommended.    I am so glad I booked the Safari extension to the trek because in doing so we got to see (a little) of Tanzania.  This may have been from the bus on the journeys to and from the safari parks but it was still an eye opener to see Masai tribesmen and children tending to their animals.    

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  • Hire a sleeping mat        
  • MOST IMPORTANTLY -Take a Camelbak/Platypus and don’t rely on a water bottle. 
  • Take plenty of hand wash gel.
  • Take tipping money with you on the mountain and take more than you think you’ll need.   When you see how hard everyone is working for you you’ll want to give more than you planned!
  • We donated equipment we no longer needed at the end of the trek.  I would plan in advance what (good quality) clothes etc. you can donate to the porters.
  • Take flipflops for the showers during the safari.
  • If possible, book the return flight a couple of days after the official trip ends and use this time to  spend a couple of days in Arusha.  I’d have loved to have gone on an excursion to a community centre or seen more of local life which I think is the only thing missing from the trip.

   
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  Kate Ashley

  KILIMANJARO & SAFARI

  

  Written March 2011

  A fantastic trip which fulfilled a dream, a great group, great guides and porters and a real sense of achievement upon reaching the summit, Uhuru Peak. The safari was an excellent chance to relax and recover whilst being spoilt by viewing some of the most magnificent animals in the world.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Sunrise at Stella Point is a memory which will stay with me forever, as well as looking up and seeing that famous Uhuru Peak sign in front of me. We had perfect weather conditions and the photos we captured are amazing. Also though, to share the trip with some genuinely lovely people was great and although not everyone made it to the top, the team spirit was there till the very end.

  As for the safari, does it get better than a cheetah just a metre away or a male lion within touching distance?!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Florence was our group leader and he certainly is an inspirational man, great people's skills and a fantastic leader on the mountain, we were in good hands with Florence. I was fortunate not to need one to one assistance from any of the guides but consequently didn’t get the chance to get to know some of them like the others did. I am sure though if I'd needed it, they would have been there for me, like they were for others in the group.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Plan and prepare well. Don’t under estimate this mountain, it is a trek which any reasonably fit person can do but make it easier on yourself by getting that backpack on and hiking lots before you go, gym work is fine but it doesn’t beat getting out hill walking with your equipment. Speaking of which, make sure you have the right gear, borrow if you can’t afford it but don’t skimp on less than adequate sleeping bags / jackets etc. A good night’s sleep is essential and freezing to death won’t help with this. On the summit day I wore 6 layers on the top and 3 on the bottom but because the 3 of us walking together kept a good steady pace, I was a bit too warm! Take a decent lip balm and high factor sun cream. Jelly babies got me to the summit (they don’t freeze and don’t melt!). A small karabiner to hang my camera on from my waist band was my most treasured item, having it to hand at all times was ideal (except on summit night when it needs to be buried under layers). Trekking poles also highly recommended, essential for me on the descent. Also, drink as much water as you possibly can from day 1 and listen and take advice from the guides, they know their stuff!

  Binoculars for safari are really useful, open sandals are fine and small canvas bag or similar is ideal so backpacks can be kept in the back of the jeep with other luggage, leaving more room for moving around the vehicle when spotting those animals!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Above all, if summiting Mount Kilimanjaro is a dream of yours, then book it now and go for it - you won’t regret it I promise! If you have the funds and time then adding the safari is ideal, it gives you time to relax and enjoy Tanzania and stops your family and friends seeing you fresh off the mountain! I've travelled with various companies too and I wouldn’t hesitate recommending Exodus to book and travel with.  Organisation, from office staff to the leaders, both on the mountain and the safari, couldn’t be faulted.

   
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  Carol Merritt

  KILIMANJARO & SAFARI

  

  Written October 2010

  First booking with Exodus and already organising another group for 2012.  Kilimanjaro and safari experience was amazing.  See my note on your website re our group booking prases. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Reaching the peak of Kilimanjaro and the breathtaking view - once I had time to regain my breath!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Excellent.  Florence was amazing and I sent a detailed email to MD of African Walking Company praising both Florence and his team.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Attend your presentation evening re Kilimanjaro, the advice was excellent and we were very well prepared.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Vanessa,

  I'm currently exploring Inca Trail/Rainforest trek and plan to get another group together for 2012.  Hopefully the same 12, possibly more.

   If I could win a discount for us, it would tempt them even more!

  Carol Merritt

  Exodus Response

  Carol Merritt did this trip with us as a private departure, should you also wish to organise any of our itineraries for a private group please contact our Specialist and Group sales team on 0845 330 6009 or email groups@exodus.co.uk

   

  
  

  - Exodus Staff

   
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  Ian Bosworth

  KILIMANJARO & SAFARI

  

  Written August 2010

  This was my first adventure holiday and I didn't know what to expect. Climbing Kilimanjaro was a life experience, made possible by the guides and my fellow adventurers.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  We were climbing the final assent to Gilmans Point and we passed a girl in our group who was clearly struggling and in my mind was going to be lucky if she made Gilman Point. We continued up and eventually reached Uhuru summit. We were all elated and very tired, taking the usual photos but looking forward to descending ASAP. As we were about to leave, I was astonished to see the girl we'd passed arrive at the summit. I immediately went over and shook her hand; this was an inspirational moment, someone making it against all the odds.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Samuel Moshi was a true inspiration. 57 yrs old thin in stature but with the heart of an Ox. His Father had been a chief Guide and his 7yrs old child may follow him. My wife was struggling up the final assent. Samuel, who was already carrying a large backpack, took her backpack and carried that aswell. What a hero.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be as fit as you can, read up about what to expect but be prepared to be totally exhausted and amazed. This will be the hardest thing you have ever done.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Thanks Exodus and the Tanzanian Team for a fantastic experience.

   
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  Audrey Brown

  KILIMANJARO & SAFARI

  

  Written August 2010

  If you want to climb Kilimanjaro, this is an excellent way to do so. The last day is very hard, but worth it to get to the top. Camping is very well organised - we loved the bed tea and wash wash! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Reaching the top was the most inspirational moment, even if most of the group were too exhausted to really relax and enjoy it. I certainly was!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  The African Walking Company staff, with Tosha as the leader, were excellent. Could not be faulted.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  On the summit day, you need a way to stop your water freezing - a small bottle inside your jacket is the easiest. And you need lots of snacks in easy-to-reach pockets (not in your rucksac). Special high-energy Power Bars go solid and you can't get your teeth into them! One of our group had the foresight to bring jelly babies and chocolate buttons - they were very popular.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Several of us felt that the safari days were too long. We were staying at wonderful forest hotels, but did not get time to relax and enjoy them because we were off early and not back till it was nearly dark. But that's the only slight criticism. The rest was exactly as described - and I shall treasure my Kili certificate!

   
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  Jean-Francois Creusot

  KILIMANJARO & SAFARI

  

  Written December 2008

  A great combo...Walking hard for 4 days to arrive on the top just before the sunrise and then relax by enjoying tanzanian wildlife in 4 different and exceptionnel tanzanian parc. This would have never been possible without the professionalism of the local leaders. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The arrival at Gilman's point, just 10 min before the sunrise. We've walked for almost seven hours in the dark and the cold and suddenly, here you are...sun's coming, the view is stunning (crater with ice, view of Mawenzi). What else can you ask? Maybe a hot cup of water that one guide especially brought with him...

  What did you think of your group leader?

  The leaders have been all along the walk very present to ensure everyone was fine. They were getting us with good advice to keep us "physically" and "mentally" fit. As well, over a 7 hours walk, they managed to get us on the top 10min just before the sunrise which is a real proof of their experience...this is just priceless, especially when you know that Gilman's point is a very small area and that people can't stay more than 15min to allow other people to come.

  During the Safari, the guide were bringing their knowledge of the wildlife and of the little things that make the viewing game exciting.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Go for it...but dont't forget two things: "Pole Pole" (Take time to do everything you do") and drink a lot of water, your legs and the guide will do the rest.

   
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  Michael Cummins

  KILIMANJARO & SAFARI

  

  Written October 2008

  A great combination of the challenging kili climb followed by the rather more sedate safari experience to recuperate.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Reaching the summit of Kili  - been thinking about doing it for years!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our head Kili guide was the strong silent type rather than the chatty jokey type, but couldn't fault the professionalism and organisation of the climb.

  The safari guides were both really nice and chatty, and also did a greta job at spotting animals.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  There are thousands of websites giving advice on Kili climbs, but i haven't seen one that recommends a dust mask - take one! The rongai route is extremely dusty, especially the first couple of days, and the dust is extremely fine and gets airborne very easily. Every footfall kicks up a puff of dust and when trudging up in a line you are basically constantly breathing the dust in.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  A great trip - all guides and support staff were really good, well organised, friendly, very helpful. Accommodation was of a high standard throughout. The only thing I would say prevents it getting five stars from me is the tents on the Kili climb. There was nothing seriously wong with them but they were a bit past their sell by date and would really have expected dome tents.

   

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