Reviews

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!

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

Summit day

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good

Advice for Potential Travellers

Buy an insulated water bottle for summit day. After 12 hours of hiking, it is nice to have unfrozen water to drink

Most Inspirational Moment

Strangely, not making it to the top. I've always been an outdoor fitness freak and this forced me to contempate my place in the world! I will be back however....unfinished business with the mountain.

Most Inspirational Moment

The hugs from everyone when reaching Gilman's Point and the summit! Even the guides made it feel it was their first time!

Thoughts on Group Leader

What can I say, Florence was my God for the whole trip! I found him extremely helpful and very caring with everyone in the group...and always with a smile! 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Keep drinking water and dont even try to walk faster, no chances:-))... just pack a nail brush and maybe for the ladies paint your nails black!  Sing a song in you head when feeling tired and overwhelmed, it helps when walking the long endless alpine desert!  I found this the hardest part of the trek cause you can see Kibo camp in the distance but it's not that close.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching sunrise from Gilman's Point and managing to smile for photos despite illness and exhaustion! Worth every little 'pole pole' step to reach the top.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was Florence - he was mum, doctor, nurse and Mr Motivation for the group. His care for the group and his own team of porters and fellow guides is amazing. Looked forward to his wake up call to our tents every morning and after dinner pep talks to prepare us for the next day. Amazing genuinely caring man who kept morale going at all times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring plenty of paracetemol/asprin to help ease the headaches & if guides recommend Diamox then take it as they know what they are talking about - trust them completely as no one knows the mountain as well as they do. Hand warmers  / thermal gloves for summit night as it doesn't take long for chill to set in when holding the walking poles.  Hire the sleeping mat locally - you will need it as those mountain campsites are very rocky!

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching Gilmans point but then going on to Uhuru Peak.  Although altitude sickness did kick in we were pleased we found that extra bit of energy to make it to the peak.  11 out of 15 made it to Gilmans and only 8 of us managed to get to Uhuru - so this was a highlight

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely incredible, amazing, friendly and just great - he really did look after all of us and keep us safe.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes - if you can take Diamox for altitude sickness then take it - I couldn't as i am allergic to sulfa drugs which is quite rare.  Bring a scarf for your face when crossing the saddle as its windy and dusty and my nose and face was very cold on the final ascent so a scarf would have been great.  Don't bring a wind up head torch bring one with battereis and bring extra batteries.  Keep your camera in a warm place on the final ascent so the battery does not die when you get to the top.  Bring bio degradable toilet paper - it was a shame to see toilet paper used by ladies wasting away on the mountain - you don't need in camp but is needed on route.  Lastly investin 'John bags' - these are great for peeing in at night so you don' thave to go out into the dark and cold - they turn to gel and can be disposed of.Do not underestimate the mountain - doesn't matter how fit and healthy you are the altitude sickness is rough so be preapred for this and don't give up - it really is worth it to reach the peak

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was kind and considerate.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would recommend doing a longer route (time wise) for better acclimatisation.  We felt a bit rushed.  A 15min lunch break on the final day - 20k downhill almost jogging!

Most Inspirational Moment

Summit day sunrise, knowing I was nearly, finally at the top and that all that training had been worth it!My fellow teamies - I went with a small but perfectly formed group of people and the dynamics within the group were great.  I was motivated and ready for the challenge, but had a great giggle along the way.....

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leaders were great - really helpful and want you to succeed. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

The guides & porters are there to help.... if they want to take your back pack as you're struggling, let them, and if the guides talk to you about how you're feeling and if you should take Diamox, listen to them.  They know the score, they have done this trip countless times with different people and are so supportive and knowledgeable and helpful... at the end of the day, they want you to suceed, and they will help you get there....