Kilimanjaro & Safari: Tanzania Trekking and Wildlife Holiday

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 15 reviews.

Jonathan Brownson

KILIMANJARO & SAFARI

Written January 2011
I really enjoyed this trip. i had been travelling before coming this trip so i
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
the sun coming up at stella point.
What did you think of your group leader?
he came across as very experienced and calm. I felt that if the chips were down he would know exactly what to do. He gave out some very good advice, even if his views seemed very fixed.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
go slow, listen to the advice given and enjoy the views
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I felt that at a certain parts of the trip the local company were a bit complacent and could have provided us with more information. Apart from that no complaints we had a great time.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
Michael Johns

KILIMANJARO & SAFARI

Written July 2008
Getting to the top of Kilimanjaro is tough and by no means the most interesting trek you can do. But it does give you a feeling of tremendous achievement.   Exodus and their local agent, African Walking Tours do all that is humanly possible to ensure you will get up there successfully and feel that buzz.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Standing in front of the sign at the top of Africa after seven hours walking through the night.
What did you think of your group leader?
Tosha and all the other guides - Sansom, Davis and Libertad(?) were most caring and supportive. They provided individual attention, paramedical advice when needed, carried daypacks for the exhausted and set the perfect pace. They also knew all the tricks to get you up (including knowing when not to ask if you wanted to turn back!) The food was great too.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't try unless you have tried a lower altitude first - say 4000+ metres. Do take the Rongai route rather than the more common Marangu route. (I cannot speak for the other options.) It gives a crucial extra day to acclimatise and it gives you different scenery on the way up from the way down.   Think about how you are going to stop your water supply from freezing up on the climb - it's not much use if you have carried all that weight and you then can't get at it when you need it.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Only do it if you think standing at nearly 6000 metres up will be worth feeling sick, headachy, and absolutely exhausted.   But my experience is that it is worth it and possible even when you are over 60.