Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspiring moment of the trip was undoubtedly the incredible teamwork ethic and camaraderie running through the entire contingent of porters and assistants that made the trip up the mountain with us. while I wouldn't say that reaching the top of Kilimanjaro pushed me to my *absolute* limits (as I have a high level of fitness) I do believe that the process was rendered that much easier by the real 'togetherness' that our group enjoyed. The professionalism of the crew travelling with you could not be surpassed and I can imagine that for the naive, a trek like this could quite easily take on a more sinister veneer if not given the level of support that the AWC gave us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader led by example from beginning to end; you could tell he was monitoring everyone's progress like a hawk despite displaying an unbelievable calmness on the outside which, in turn, kept everyone at ease. His nightly chats with the group were both entertaining, informative and full of hope and optimism which went a long way towards helping get us out of bed in the mornings!

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is not an easy trip, do not get it twisted; I take huge heart in our decision to travel the Lemosho route (thus giving the longest time to acclimatise) sadly vindicated by the occasional sight of casualties carried down the mountain on the last couple of days. Having carefully taken our time from beginning to end, reaching the top was overwhelming; it was my first serious mountain-climbing achievement, and has already given me the enthusiasm to save up and do it all over again in another continent when time and money permit! I would also advise going ahead with all kit recommendations and not attempting to travel light in any respect; you won't need to carry most of this stuff anyway, and given conditions can be quite bleak towards the latter stages of the trek I wouldn't have wanted to be caught short without any essentials. Having brought the kitchen sink with us, this wasn't the issue but it was for some.

Suggestions

If you're in two minds, just do it. The staggeringly beautiful variation in terrain, group spirit when reaching the higher stages and views on the way down render this the perfect starter mountain for anyone looking for a manageable challenge.

Most Inspirational Moment

Summitting at Uhuru Point at 1pm having set off late from camp and hence having the whole summit to ourselves.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guides were fantastic, Mathew was more than just a guide, camp manager for the team of 40 support staff plus the 10 clients, how they didn't leave anything behind I will never know.  Our assistant guides were also fabulous and looked after us extremely well, our morning routine of tea in bed followed by washing water was certainly a treat.  I have to add a particular thanks to Amos our favourite assistant guide who could talk more than me, an achievement, and talked so much whilst climbing that you didnt even realise you had been climbing for 6 hours at a time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Its a challenge, but you can do and you will love it!

Most Inspirational Moment

It has to be getting to Stella Point. While getting to Uhuru was amazing, the effort it took to get to Stella Point was unbelievable. I kept saying I wanted to give up and turn back but everytime the guides would pick me up and keep me going. The guides, porters and the team are definately the most inspirational people I've ever met. They work so hard and there is no way I would have got to the top without them. The feeling of achievement afterwards is brilliant! Also, the first two days walking in the forest are beautiful. If anyone is struggling to choose which route to do I would reccomend Lemosho because of this. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cannot rate The African Walking Company highly enough. Matthew, our group leader, was fantastic, as were all the assistant guides/porters. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book your own flights! Wish I was able to have longer in Arusha but unfortunately Exodus had booked our flights so that we left pretty early the following day and spent the whole time (8 hours!) in Nairobi airport. Wear suncream and bring aftersun. Was expecting it to be cold all the time and had no idea how hot it was going be until my face looked like a lobster.Girls- bring your UGG boots for the evening. Godsend! While you don't have to be superfit, I do think training before helped. Especially the first few days when the hills were pretty steep. Using poles was a good idea too.Take lots of photos (even at the top when your hands are freezing and you don't feel like it). Such an amazing experience, you'll be looking over them repeatedly once you get back!Bring old sleeping bags, mats, clothes, boots etc for the porters. They do such an incredable job and you'll want to give back as much as you can.

Suggestions

If your even debating whether or not to book this trip. DO IT! Has to be the best experience of my entire life.

Most Inspirational Moment

Looking over my shoulder on the final climb, seeing the horizon change from deepest, darkest blue to sunrise and at that precise moment, knowing for sure that we would all get to the top.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was called Makeke. He was brilliant. He organised well, gave very precise briefings each day and continually gave interesting information about the mountain.He was ably supported by Assistant Guides, James, Olauf, Godfrey and Vernance. They were all so supportive and could not do enough to help everyone on our trip. All were prepared to chat and share their experiences on and off the mountain, which made the whole experience extra special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't waste another second, book it now, then practice every day on a step machine until your thighs ache. It is physically hard work, but worth every ounce of effort. I was probably the slowest person in our group, but it is like being a fun runner in a marathon. The object is to finish, there are no extra points for speed.

Suggestions

We had a lovely bunch of people in our group,  all with their own personal reasons for making the trip. Makeke and the other guides were great, but there is no way any of us would have got to the summit without the tremendous effort of all the porters and the stomach engineer. They all deserve a medal.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro was simply breathtaking. The views and the sunrise were nothing short of mind blowing. Taking the slightly longer lemosho route was a good idea for acclimatisation purposes. The trek from bottom to top was great if not a little damp due to the weather.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The head guide was a really helpful and knowledgable guy called Makeke. He kept us informed the whole time and answered any questions if he could. His assistant guides were also extremely good. Everybody was ultra cheerful the whole time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Its very easy to just trudge along staring at the heels of the person in front, try to look up, there are some fantastic views, birds, animals etc to see. 

Suggestions

I would thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone. Just be aware that there are some quite strenuous parts during the trek that some folk may find physically quite challenging.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved most of the days, especially being so close to nature. If I had to chose a moment, obviously the summit day (actually night) is pretty mindblowing. After walking up for 5 hours in the dark, when our guide told me 'don't lose your confidence sister' and kindly carried my backpack, 2 hours before reaching Uhuru peak, I suddendly felt an adrenaline kick, and wings growing in my feet...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was extremely responsible, he knew so much about the mountain, and was great in managing the team and bringing everybody together. The 2 other guides were amazing as well, both wise and professional and yet super friendly and cheerful. We had so much fun. I must also add that our guides' mountain gear was much better than those of many other trekking companies we found on the way, showing they take good care of their staff.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Lemosho route is definetely the best to reach the peak as you spend several extra days on the mountain just to acclimatise in preparation for the summit ascent. It is also really enjoyable since you leave from a beautiful pine forest, and arrive through a lovely tropical forest, so you get a lot of variety.Trust your guides! Drink loads, walk slowly, it is not a competition! Bring a camel bag, as it is the only way to drink enough as you walk to meet the 4-5L water requirement/day.Also, I was happy I had hired a matress through Exodus as they were much thicker than those you get in mountain shops,  they also isolate better from the cold. Honestly,  I slept like a baby every night.For the summit ascent: bring loads of snacks, better liquid (energy gels for instance) as the cereal bars and chocolate will freeze. An ipod is also great as the summit ascent can get a bit monotonous when you are walking for hours in the dark and personally music kept me going..Keep all electrical equipment next to you body every night (in your sleeping bag) and during the final ascent so the batteries don't freeze. There is signal on the top so you can send text to family and friends to tell them you have reached the top!

Suggestions

The food was fabulous. It was a luxury to have fresh popcorn for afternoon tea, and crepes for desserts. Overall the meals were very balanced and tasty.Be prepared to feel the mountain blues when you come down!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the curvature of the earth against the rising sun as we approached the summit.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very observant and caring.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get a insulation cover for your platypus/camel back to stop the water freezing on the climb to the summit when you really need your water.

Suggestions

Met some great people with whom we will keep in touch. Do take kit you are happy to leave behind to help the porters and guides. Clothes, sleeping bag liners, sunglasses, water bottles, a platypus tube! All items we expect to have but they see as luxuries.

Most Inspirational Moment

Most inspirational moment has to be reaching Stella Point.  The feeling of elation, the relief that you're finally at the summit produced tears for us all.  Also loved climbing Barranca Wall. Also the climb down and up to Kerranga camp was tough but a huge relief when we finally arrived up at camp.  Knowing that I could easily achieve these challenges gave me a huge confidence boost.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Makeke was a good leader.  He gave concise, clear briefings on the day ahead's challenge; but he was occassionally economic with the timings.  But the trip notes were the same.  Ie. it says on day one that you will enjoy a 2 - 3 hour gentle walk through woodland.  It took us 5 hours due to heavy rainfall causing the path to be like a quagmire.  When the guides set off you may think that you are going far too slowly but trust in your leader that he knows what he is doing.  Conserve your energy and you will have a more enjoyable experience.Makeke was a good communicator and his words will always ring in my ears: "The weather in Kili is unpredictable".

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't take a shewee.  It doesn't work.  Do take a pack of cards for when you arrive in camp and you're all in the mess tent drinking tea.  Our guides loved playing Cheat!  Always listen to your guides and be truthful with how you're feeling.  Don't be macho and think you'll be alright!  They will do what they can to get you up to the top but you need to be honest if they're going to help you.  Do take lots of snacks, especially chocolate.  If you have any left over (make sure you do), the porters love it.  Don't go thinking you'll have food like you're used to at home.  The porridge tastes different but it is excellent fuel so mask the taste if you don't like it with either Cadbury's drinking chocolate (supplied), brown sugar (supplied) or honey (supplied).  DRINK LOADS!! Can't emphasise that enough.  It will help with altitude sickness.  Also in addition to your platypus/camelbak have 2 extra water bottles.  On summit night your tube from your water will freeze but you need to keep drinking.  Use Nuun rehydration tablets (or similar) and put them in both extra water bottles.  Place these upside down on the outside of you backpack.  The top of the bottle will freeze first so you will be able to drink from the upside down end.  Ladies take lots of tissues (and hand sanitiser) and have them as easily accessible as they can be; I used a bumbag. 

Suggestions

On the last day make sure you have some items (particularly sunglasses) to donate to your porters.  These guys carry up to 30kgs on their backs for you.  The only equipment they have has been donated by other trekkers and you will notice that their boots are ill-fitting as are their clothes.  Many do not have sunglasses and this can cause temporary blindness and therefore loss of income for those concerned.  So if you have spares so much the better.  Also they all love English Premiership football so if you have any footie tops spare these will go down very well indeed.  Your guide will mention the Tipping Ceremony during your briefing and that is when you can donate any items.