Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

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!!

Thoughts on 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.

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!

Suggestions

Trekking up Kili is far from a holiday....

Most Inspirational Moment

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 beforeLooking 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

Thoughts on 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.

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.

Suggestions

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:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pole-The-Rongai-Kilimanjaro-ebook/dp/B00BUMV948/ref=sr_1_6?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1364508705&sr=1-6It 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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on 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

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on 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.

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!

Suggestions

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

Most Inspirational Moment

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)

Thoughts on 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.

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. 

Suggestions

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

Most Inspirational Moment

Just getting closer to the mountain. Hard to believe I was finally In Africa, doing what I'd dreamed of doing for so long.

Thoughts on 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.

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. 

Suggestions

Just listen to the guides and they will do their most to get you to the top of Kilimanjaro.

Most Inspirational Moment

The highlight obviously has to be making it to the summit of Kilimanjaro, also the fact that all 7 in the group made it meant that we could all celebrate together.  This achievement will be a lasting memory!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Priscus the head guide was excellent.  He helped anyone struggling with altitude sickness and he and the other guides were very knowledgable about the mountain flora, fauna and all aspects of trekking.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go prepared for rain, hail, sleet and snow!! Waterproofs are your best friend, plus thermals and lots of layers.

Suggestions

It was a slog, it was wet, it was cold, I wondered many many times why on earth I was doing this ... but I made it to the summit and will never forget that feeling (2 days later) when the aches pains and sickness faded of exhilleration and achievement.Trip of a lifetime!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The final ascent, of course! But then I dont think I would have made it without all the wonderful friends I climbed with. We all bonded really well from from the moment we journeyed from the airport to the hotel. The Porters also made me feel very humble too. The do an incredible amount to make the experience unforgettable. We truly could not have climbed without each and every one of them from the helping porters to the guides.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Meke, the Head Guide, was the nicest person you could ever meet. Each of the 4 Guides were excellent. You absolutely respected their decisions. If they said you couldn't go on, then you couldn't. Equally, if they felt you had it in you, even though you didn't think you did, they would encourage you to keep going! And we all made it!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Prepare for the dust! There's an incredible amount of it. Try to put all you clean clothes into plastic bags. this will keep the clean stuff seperate from the dusty stuff. Take throat lozenges too. Also have in your mind that its perfectly normal to feel bad. That's what climbing Kilimanjaro is all about. Once you accept that its normal to have a headache and feel a bit sick, then it makes life easier. Also prepare to tip the top rate for the Porters. The do an incredible amount, and carry not just your bag, but anything else they can manage too. And, finally and most importantly, just enjoy every single minute of it! It's over too quickly!

Suggestions

This was the most wonderful experience I've ever had, or ever likely to have! The whole trip, from minute to minute, from beginning to end, was just unforgettable! I really miss the place, and can't wait to go back - not that I need to repeat the climb, been there and done that! Buy a souvenir t-shirt in the shop because, lets be honest, not many people have them and those that do are your new friends! If you are even in two minds about doing this trip, then just book it. You will not regret it! Maybe your family and friends will when you come back tho, because they will be sick of listening to all your stories!

Most Inspirational Moment

Summit day in general was the highlight for me, tough but amazing sights and achievement by all. Summiting shouldn't be your only goal, considering you're only up there for a couple photos then head back down again, seeing the sun rise was a lot better in my opinion.Hearing a speech from everyone when you're back down is very heart warming, especially since by then you're pretty close with everyone in the group. It's good to hear the reasons why people wanted to complete such a trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The whole group guides and group leader are all top class. Very genuine and really want to get to know you. Of course, these guys have been doing it for some time so they know their stuff. They swap and change who they are walking with so you really feel part of a big team - which is of course how it should be.The porters are real work horses (as have the guides and leader been in their past), really friendly and very appreciative. These guys obviously don't get a lot out of it so it at least brings a bit of comfort to make sure they know they really are part of the team too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Fitness isn't necessarily the most important, having a good set of boots that are properly worn in is! Make sure you get plenty of walking in so your feet and legs can take it. You don't have to be mega fit to walk 10 hours a day, just good stamina.Can really recommend www.trekhireuk.com great little company based in Surrey and have training days and generally good sound knowledge to pass on. Able to hire pretty much anything you could want on the mountain which can save you loads of money!Keep batteries, camera etc in the bottom of your sleeping bag so not exposed to extreme temps.Didn't realise at the end they have a collection for the porters etc so if you have anything that you don't mind getting rid of, take it!

Suggestions

A few of us ended up going out clubbing in Moshi on the last night. Certainly not on the itinerary (wouldn't mind seeing it there as an option!) but a good laugh. A world away from home but what an experience!Try the Kilimanjaro Beer on the first pit stop from the airport, it's not bad at all and you feel like you need a treat after all the flying :-) 

Most Inspirational Moment

The highlight has to be the day we climbed to the summit on Killy.  It was a long exhausting day starting at midnight and finishing some 15 hours later.Ours was a small group of 7, mostly in their early 30's apart from my wife and I in our late 50's and it was great that we all bonded so well and encouraged each other to keep going when it got tough.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide was called Naiman and in his quiet, confident manner we felt that he was using his experience to look after our well being and make sure that we had the best chance of getting to the top of both Meru and Killy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Follow the advice of the guides  - they do know best!  Try to eat at all meal times, even if you don't feel like it and drink lots of fluids.Do tell the guides if you are not feeling well, don't keep it to yourself.  They will be able to advise you based on their extensive experience of altitude.

Suggestions

Tens of thousands of people climb Killy every year but it is not to be underestimated and we found that the climb up Meru was a very good way of acclimatising.Not having been so far south in Africa before, this trip was a real eye opener.  The country is beautiful and the people friendly.The African Walking Company is the local partner for Exodus and they offered good advice on tipping of guides, cook and porters, which avoided any embarrassment.