Kilimanjaro & Zanzibar: Tanzania Trekking 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 25 reviews.

Michelle Claxton

KILIMANJARO & ZANZIBAR

Written September 2012
An amazing experience that will take some beating! The contrast of the efforts required on the trek with the relaxtion on the beaches of Zanzibar made for a trip that was all I'd imagined it would be and more.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching the top of Kili after several hours of both physical and mental efforts! During the climb I had constant, nagging doubts in my head that I would not make it and have to turn back but when I eventually reached Gilman's Point on the crater rim and saw the sun beginning to rise something, somewhere gave me the motivation and extra energy required to get up and continue my tiring and painful walk all the way to Uruhu Peak! It was hard, it was unbelievably tiring and painful but worth every step and every penny I paid for the trip!
One further inspirational moment was upon returning to our camp at Kibo huts and being greeted by the rest of the group (including those who, unfortunately, had made the difficult decision to turn back before reaching the summit) and being hugged and congratulated by people who 7 days previously had been strangers! The comradery between the group was fantastic!
What did you think of your group leader?
I have given the trip 5 stars however this does not take into account the actions (or lack of) by Emmanuel, the group leader. He did the basics - meeting us at the airport and gave us the minimal information we needed for the trip. However his effectiveness went severely downhill after we returned from the trek part of the trip.
We had a flight to catch from Kili airport to Zanzibar. Not only did Emmanuel allow us the bare minimum amount of time to reach the airport, thus making the driver speed, plus he was less than helpful and happy when several people asked to stop at an ATM. Upon reaching Kili airport, Emmanuel did not even say goodbye, let alone help us to check in and ensure everything was OK. We thought it strange that he didn't even hover, waiting for a tip! Instead he jumped straight back into the minibus and they drove off. We very much believe that he knew that we were not all confirmed on the Zanzibar flight (despite claiming to have confirmed everything the previous night) as upon checking in, we were told that 3 of the group were bumped off the flight and they then had a number of hours to wait until they could get on another flight, thus missing out on a large part of their time in Zanzibar!
Obviously had Emmanuel ensured that we arrived at Kili airport much earlier then we probably would have been able to travel as a group of 13, with everyone getting on the flight! I really hope anyone booking on this trip does not have Emmanuel as a group leader or the messing around that we did. He was completely ineffective as a group leader.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
This was an amazing trip - 2 weeks since returning I am still on a high about it and going back to work was such a downer after the fantastic experience of Kili and Zanzibar! Main bits of advice....
1) Take lots of wet wipes, a nail brush and don't worry too much about getting dirty. You will get very dirty and it will be hard to keep clean, but everyone will be in the same boat!
2) Listen to the guides and walk slowly. It seemed far too slow on day 1 but if you get the speed right then it will become natural as summit day approaches.
3) I took an inflatable pillow yet it was easier to stuff some fleeces into the hood of my sleeping bag!
4) Take some flavoured energy tablets to put in your water - you will be more likely to drink lots if it tastes OK!
5) Remember how much you have paid for the trip and get every penny's worth! If a guide or porter offers to carry your bag - let them if it means you will reach the summit with less pain or distress. Take photos, as many as you can, after all it is a once in a lifetime opportunity!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This is an amazing trip and I would seriously reccommend it to anyone who is thinking about climbing Kili. I do wish I had trained more though - On average I ran 8 miles a week over two sessions but some sessions in the gym on the stepper would have helped as my legs did get tired on the days we had to climb up/down over big boulders! This being said, fitness does not guarantee you will summit! I just felt that I might have had more time to look up and around and enjoy the surroundings!
On Zanzibar you must visit the Rock restaurant - you can walk there along the beach at low tide but when the tide comes in you will have to get a taxi and then a boat to ferry you across. You can always swim back however, especially when there is a swell, the ferry is full and you only have a few minutes to get back to catch the taxi to the airport....!
On the walk to the Rock along the beach there are some small shops selling local crafts - these are good places to pick up souvenirs and do some bartering!
For a gorgeous sunset visit Kae Funk bar. Just ask Nigel at Kichanga Lodge to book you a taxi and give you information. Amazing views of the Zanzibar sunset.
Talking of Nigel - I have never met such a nice hotelier in my life. Kichanga Lodge is fabulous and he is very welcoming. All drinks/lunch/shop purchases get put on your room tab so bring enough US Dollars, or alternately pay by credit card (with a small surcharge). The lodge also has a very sweet dog, but he is very dirty - stroke him and see!
Exodus Response
I was delighted to read that overall you had a wonderful holiday , but was extremely sorry that you experienced problems with your internal flight from Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar. The flights for this trip with Precision Air were confirmed and all of the tickets had been issued on 18th August 2012, so we did not anticipate any problems. Regrettably it is now usual practice for the vast majority of airlines to overbook their seats in order to ensure that their flights run at full capacity, as through experience airlines have found that a small percentage of passengers will not show up for their booked flight. Occasionally airlines are unable to accommodate all of their paying passengers and so are forced to bump some off the original flight and rebook them on to the next departing flight. We have absolutely no control over this and Precision Air has confirmed that unfortunately this is what happened. We sincerely regret the delay you experienced on your internal flight, but would like to assure you that there was nothing that Exodus could have done to prevent this, as all bookings were confirmed by the airline and your transfer arrived at the airport in good time for the flight. Emanuel, arranged for your transfer to drop you at the airport well within the check in closing time. Once our office in Tanzania were made aware of the delay, they spoke to Precision Air to discuss what alternatives were available, but regrettably there were none aside from waiting for the next available flight. We certainly appreciate, however, that this delay must have been extremely frustrating.
Nick Nikolsky - Trip Manager

- Exodus Staff
Alison Church

KILIMANJARO & ZANZIBAR

Written September 2012
It was a perfect trip - a stunning walk with great company, a personal and physical challenge, and relaxing on an incredible beach in paradise. Two of the best weeks of my life!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching the top of Kilimanjaro, without a doubt....it was a very emotional moment and at the time it was hard to believe that we'd made it. Although that highlight was closely followed by the first glimpse of the amazing beach on Zanzibar. It was just the perfect place to relax after the mountain. Ordinarily I like to explore and can't sit still for very long, but somehow I didn't have a problem spending 4 days just on the beach with all the new friends we'd made!
What did you think of your group leader?
Tosha was excellent, and ran the group of guides and porters effortlessly in our eyes. All the guides were very supportive and encouraging, and obviously very knowledgeable and experienced in getting anyone who was struggling up the mountain, and also down again! We were very well looked after by all the staff.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't underestimate how cold it is at night and particularly on summit night; bring as many layers as possible (including inner gloves and socks; I had 8 layers under my jacket for the summit and was toasty warm...bar the exposed bits like my nose!), and invest in a really decent down sleeping bag and jacket, as well as a good water/windproof jacket and trousers. Lots of antiseptic Wet Wipes are a must, plenty of tissues, energy snacks (nuts, chocolate, etc - I ate SO much on summit night), thermal trousers, Nytol, ear plugs, silk sleeping bag liner (warmer & lighter than cotton), walking poles (never used them before but was very grateful for them for the summit), head torch, Vaseline for your nose is a good idea as it will be red raw after summit day; and not forgetting a whole separate wardrobe for the beach...EVERYTHING from the mountain will be filthy! Plus bring plenty of individual bags to separate things in your kit bag, otherwise you're constantly rummaging around for the little items. Lastly, big waterproof sacks for separating your clothes, and keeping the dirty things away from anything clean.
Everyone says drink plenty of water; I brought a 2l camelbak and 2 x 1l bottles and really needed all of them, on some days I was drinking up to 7l of water. On the whole I didn't suffer from the altitude, so I can only assume that helped. Also make sure you eat plenty, as you're burning a lot more calories than normal - I ate like a horse for the entire 2 weeks (and drank plenty on Zanzibar!) and I still lost half a stone in weight!
I'd suggest hiring the mattresses - they're fairly comfy as camping mattresses go, much more so than my thermarest - and much warmer!
Oh, and bring a spare battery for your camera - there's no charging facilities on the mountain and you don't want to run out of battery before you get to the summit!
Lastly, enjoy it! The scenery is stunning on the mountain, so look up and enjoy every day of it - it's not all about making it to the top, it's as much about the walk. I loved every second of it, and if I hadn't got to the top I wouldn't have enjoyed it any less.
One word of warning though - check and double check that your connecting flights from Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar have been confirmed by the African Walking Company.... Ours weren't and 3 of our group got bumped off the flight.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This is an incredible trip, with some of the best scenery I've ever seen; and the company in our group made it extra special. Exodus run it brilliantly, with nothing missed in the run up to you going, and the staff from the African Walking Company make it a great experience on the mountain (it's pretty emotional when you have to say goodbye). The beach resort is fantastic, run by the loveliest and most helpful people, and in the most amazing location. Try The Rock (seafood restaurant on a rock about 30 mins walk down the beach from the resort) if you want a special last dinner or lunch, it was a fantastic way to end our holiday. All in all, pretty darn good!
Jan Lawson

KILIMANJARO & ZANZIBAR

Written August 2012
A brilliant combo trip. The cold and dirt of the mountain nicely balenced by the warmth and water of the beach. Much better than flying straight back home.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The views of the glaciers after we had reached the top and were then walking back around the rim back towards Gilmans point before the main descent.
What did you think of your group leader?
Joseph was clearly experienced and highly competant so he inspired confidence
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Use your water bottle with hot water to warm up your sleeping bag (make sure its leakproof first).
Take plenty of wet wipes as if its windy the volcanic ash gets everywhere.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
On Zanzibar a much more interesting trip than the one in the trip notes is to swim with dolphins early am with local boat at Kizimkazi (Captain Khamis Makame) and then visit the Colobus monkey's at the Jozani national park. Both great experiences and better value if combine the 2 together.
Gillian Smith

KILIMANJARO & ZANZIBAR

Written February 2012
To climb Kilimanjaro is unbelievable. I dont think there would anything I couldn't do after that. I met some lovely people on the trip and the guides and porters were absolutley brilliant. This was my 3rd holiday with Exodus and it just gets better and better.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The most inspirational part of the trip was coming down from Gilmans point and to see what we all had achieved.
What did you think of your group leader?
Massu, needs a medal for his patience and kindness and always smiling. His English was brilliant and his leadership was excellent.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take a hired sleeping mat it is thicker than the ones you can carry
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I did the serengeti with exodus and now kilimanjaro and have not been dissapointed Thank you
Mark Greenwood

KILIMANJARO & ZANZIBAR

Written February 2012
Kilimanjaro was the experience of a lifetime. The guides were amazing - if you do what they tell you, they will get you to the summit. Zanzibar was a beautiful place to relax afterwards.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
All 9 of our group making it to Uhuru.
The guides singing and dancing at the bottom of the mountain after the climb, and then spending time with them at the hotel when they gave us our certificates.
What did you think of your group leader?
Henry was a lovely guy and a very good leader.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Make sure you bring a decent sleeping bag. Also a mattress that is around 4 inches thick. The one I took was only around 1 inch thick, and I could feel every lump and bump on the ground, which didn't make for a good nights sleep.
Also, I would definitely recommend going to Zanzibar afterwards.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Don't take the decision to climb Kilimanjaro lightly - it is hard. Do as your guides tell you and stick together as a team. Many thanks to our brilliant leader Henry, and also Wilfred, David, Ricardo and Barcelona.
Elaine Burgess

KILIMANJARO & ZANZIBAR

Written January 2012
Having been on Exodus holidays before, I had expectations. However these were far exceeded. Climbing Kilimanjaro puts one totally in the hands of others and I felt totally safe and cared for at all times. My friend was unwell but far from feeling responsible for her, I 100% knew her health and safety were not in jeopardy at any time.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching Gillmans Point. On summit night, although I had lots of positive mental attitude, I was not convinced I would make it. My guide Abraham was amazing. He was encouraging, understanding of how I was feeling and he got me there!
What did you think of your group leader?
See above - Abraham was outstanding. His organisational skills to ensure the safety and success of the entire group were exceptional.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go for it. Brilliant experience. Although I had seriously trained for it, I have never done anything (in all my 62 years) to push myself to achieve something like this. I still have to pinch myself. I am ecstatic. I felt I was an equal with all the group - I didn't feel like one of the oldest. Everyone struggled. Its no easy feat, but I did it!!!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I have realised there is nothing in life that you can't do.
Simon Dawes

KILIMANJARO & ZANZIBAR

Written November 2011
Really superb trip. The experience was amazing (i.e. Kili and Zanzibar) and the organisation by Exodus and the extent to which we were thoroughly looked after was excellent. When our bags were left behind in Nairobi by the airline, Exodus were excellent in getting them to us in time for the climb.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The best moment by far was seeing the sun pop up above the clouds on the summit. I will never ever forget that moment - you cannot imagine what it is like until you experience how beautiful it is and how hard you have worked to see it.
I was also generally amazed at the quality of the food we were given all the way up and down the mountain.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was a quiet person who at first we didn't see too much of as he let the assisstant guides do the leading for the first few days. However when it came down to the crunch on summit day - he was great. Having spent quite a bit of time chatting with him on the way down I learned that the reason we didn't see much of him at the start of each day was because he stayed behind to ensure our camp was spotlessly cleaned up each day and ALL litter removed.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Drink. Lots. Of water. Drink drink and drink - it's the best way to avoid altitude effects (other than going down).
On summit day we were advised to "put on everything we had" when we set off inc down jackets. My experience of the mountains told me this was a bad idea as I knew I would soon be too hot. I left my down jacket in my bag + a spare fleece. It was a good move as I was just warm enough and then had an extra layer to put on when it got cold above 5000m. Everyone else had to stop and take things off.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Be prepared for the weather. I had assumed it would be dry and sunny. Unfortunately we got rained on quite a lot which was a little disappointing - basically the rainy season came early. However, despite this the trip was really really superb and I would encourage ANYONE to do it. The Zanibar bit was real luxury too - a very welcome treat.