Kilimanjaro Climb - Lemosho Route

Traveler Reviews

• J

  JasonJones

  June 8th, 2019
  2
  Not so positive experience. I had chosen Exodus because I wanted to be monitored and cared for, during my attempt on...
  Not so positive experience. I had chosen Exodus because I wanted to be monitored and cared for, during my attempt on Mt Kilimanjaro. However this did not happen. I started to experience altitude sickness and I feel I was never monitored or treated properly. Instead I was belittled and told to “man up”. I then had to climb down the mountain in the dark, on a steep and treacherous trail. When I complained to Exodus about my experience, I was not satifised with their response and will not be traveling with Exodus in the future.Show more
  Traveled in February 2019
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  Elliot Gray

  October 22nd, 2013
  5
  A thouroughly enjoyable trek. My wife booked the trip and I was sceptical. I cant believe how much I enjoyed it. Even...
  A thouroughly enjoyable trek. My wife booked the trip and I was sceptical. I cant believe how much I enjoyed it. Even the camping !! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Sunrise on top of Mount Kilimanjaro was stunning. A memory that will stay with me forever. What did you think of your group leader? Wilfred, lead guide was excellent. I had altitude sickness for a couple of days and the care and attention to detail he showed was first class. I know I would not have reached the summit without his help. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? My advice would be listen to the guides. The pace is incredibly slow but it is like that for a reason. And it gets you there.Also, take Diamox. Better to have it. I was given it by the guide but probably easier to take it with you.And take a small nail brush. The dust gets everywhere and become engrained !! Is there anything else you would like to add? Go with an open mind and you cannot fail to enjoy it.Show more
  Traveled in September 2013
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  Lynda Rose

  October 22nd, 2013
  5
  I was anxious before the start of a trip which I had challenged myself to do whilst my partner recuperated from a...
  I was anxious before the start of a trip which I had challenged myself to do whilst my partner recuperated from a seriously life threatening health issue. Would I get on with others in the group? Was I physically fit enough? I soon realised that the others, who ranged in age from 22 up to myself at 61, all had the same fears and the disparate group of individuals soon became a mutually supporting team which encouraged each other every step of the way. It was a life affirming experience for which summiting was the emotional highlight but every moment was a privilege and joy which would have been worthwhile even if I had not got to the top. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Standing on the roof Africa, sobbing my socks off, because I had actually got to the top of the highest mountain in Africa was a much more emotional moment than I ever expected. Until the moment I got there I really was not sure I would be able to do it even though everything had gone well upto that point. The guide (Seraphin) spotted my struggle in the last few hundred yards - he took my bag and encouraged me supportively and unobtrusively to the top. I know I couldn't have made it without him. Four months of training and preparation, 8 days of climbing and high altitude camping, combined with the uncertainty of how I might react to altitude, meant the moment of reaching the summit was hugely emotional and amazing. What did you think of your group leader? Simon was very professional, quiet, unassuming and very observant. The whole trip ran like clockwork and one could observe his leadership skills at work bringing on and encouraging the assistant guides in doing briefings and leading some of the earlier treks. On the summit day itself it was clear Simon would take the responsibility for leading the group 'pole pole' to the top. He told us he would not be chatting whilst we walked because he would be too busy listening to us. ( to our breathing that is) to make sure we were safe. He gave very discrete and personal support to those members of the group who were unwell in the approach with the result that all but one made it to the summit and the one got to Stella point. This was only possible because of Simons clear support and guidance and management of the guides supporting the team. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? It is said that you cannot prepare your body for the effects of altitude and that fitness is no guarantee that you won't get altitude sickness. Whilst this is true , it is still really important to ensure you have the best possible fitness levels to cope with the demands of the trip-especially if you are an older team member like me. Diamox or no diamox for altitude sickness? I did manage without Diamox as my GP didn't know enough about it to prescribe it. However, most of the group either took it to start off with or started taking it as the symptoms of altitude sickness developed. I did not have problems as it happened but I would take some with me if on a similar trip in future so I would have some of my own to take if the need arose. It seemed to work quite quickly for those who waited until they felt I'll to take it. Is there anything else you would like to add? Don't be afraid to travel solo- you will make friends and there is nothing like the adversity of a challenging trip to bond, even very different individuals,together into a team. If you think you lack the confidence to do something like this. ... ' feel the fear and do it anyway' . 'Never let your fears stand in the way of your dreams' Also remember to live life as if today might be your last so don't put off that 'dream' trip until later - you ever know what might happen that might prevent you. Also some little observations-Take ear plugs-tents have thin walls. Jelly babies go down well- wish I'd taken some- thanks for sharing yours Paul. 'Washy washy' time tends to come after you've got dressed- wet wipes are a must!!Show more
  Traveled in September 2013
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  Julia Garvey

  April 3rd, 2012
  3
  I have to be honest and say that I didn
  Traveled in March 2012
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  David Shelton

  February 2nd, 2012
  4
  This was an excellent trip - very well organised with excellent food and guiding. The pace was just right to enable...
  This was an excellent trip - very well organised with excellent food and guiding. The pace was just right to enable acclimatisation and January seems to be a good time to travel in terms of weather. The Kilimanjaro climb is the hardest day - unlesss you are a professional sports person! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? It has to be reaching Uhuru Point after 6 hours steady climb up in the dark. The timing was perfect as we arrived as the sun was rising on a perfect day. What did you think of your group leader? Davis was excellent - as was Johaness, the assistant guide. They were very knowledgable, easy to get on with and knew exactly how to manage a group of varying abilities. They set exactly the right pace and gave us real confidence that we could make it to the top. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Nearly everyone took Diamox and it seemed to help - so do consider this. There is no need to be "super-fit" but you do need to be able to walk for long periods (distances are relatively short - up to 6 miles) - but the altitude slows everything down. Stamina to cope with the climb is very important. Make sure you have the right kit - the list that Exodus supplies is exactly right and don't short cut this - or you will be cold! You will be spending $ everywhere - you only need a very small amount of local currency. Read the other summaries like these - they contain invaluable guidance. Finally, if you want to maximise your chances of making it to the top the longer routes (e.g. Lemosho) will really help. It is worth spending a bit extra if you can - the failure rates on the short routes are much higher. Is there anything else you would like to add? If you are fit and not sure whether or not to sign up for this go for it! It is a very well managed trip and the guides, porters, food and hotel at the beginning and end are excellent. you won't be disappointed!Show more
  Traveled in January 2012
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  Emma Davis

  February 1st, 2012
  5
  Truly spectacular trip that will probably be one of the most challenging and memorable of my life. What was the most...
  Truly spectacular trip that will probably be one of the most challenging and memorable of my life. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The moment when I reached the first summit- I was so overwhelmed by the achievement and the exhaustion that I very nearly cried. The other moment when I got in the shower when we reached the lodge at the end of it all. Running water never felt so good. I've never done anything on a holiday before where I felt such a sense of accomplishment (and maybe a bit of relief that it was over and that i'd made it!).  What did you think of your group leader? Matthew, the group leader, was a great guide and always there to keep our spirits up as we walked. On the way down from the summit he supported me through a whole section of scree, literally holding me up in parts.   Do you have any advice for potential travellers? All the websites seem to recommend chocloate bars like Mars to take as a summit snack. Don't do this! The caramel freezes solid and believe me when I say that there's nothing more frustrating than being desperate for a energy fix and trying to gnaw your way through a snack with the consistency of a brick. Is there anything else you would like to add? DO IT! It's hard, could make you cry, will definitely make you laugh and stays with you forever.Show more
  Traveled in January 2012
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  Jackie Ward

  January 26th, 2012
  4
  Fantastic, a holiday of a lifetime What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Reaching the summit and...
  Fantastic, a holiday of a lifetime What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Reaching the summit and watching the sunrise.Also watching our porters carrying all our gear on their heads and making it looks so easy! What did you think of your group leader? Really good, could not fault him.The whole team worked very well, we were given a briefing every morning and night so we were always clear on what we would be doing each day. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Nomad Travel were excellent - they provided much better medical advice than my own GP and helped us put together a personal travel pack and at very reasonable cost.Invest in a good down sleeping bag, you won't regret it, and we used the lightweight blow up mats from Therma Rest, these were very comfortable and warm.Take plenty of one dollar notes  - we did not and it felt awkward when we could not tip as we only had large currency, once in Tanzania it is hard to get any further dollars and tipping is widespread and all done in american dollars.Do not buy a hat that is not adjustable and can be loosened off.  Everyone in our group had to cut their hats as we got higher as they really started to dig in and this does not help with any headaches.  This is the same for sunglasses, they need to be fairly loose.Aspirin seemed to be the leaders drug of choice for headaches rather than Paracetomol or IbuprofenThe leaders did not encourage the use of Diamox unless you showed symptoms of AMS and they would then recommed when to take it.  In fact they did not want you to take any medication without telling them first, including headache tablets.  This way they could moniter you much better for AMS than if you were trying to treat yourself.  We purchased Diamox to take with us so if we did have to use it we could at least take our own medication but luckily neither of us had to use it.  Others in our group did take it in the final 2/3 days but it is difficult to know if it really helped as it certainly did not cure their symptoms, although the AMS may of got worse without it.  Keep drinking - those in our group that drank anything less than 3 litres whilst walking certainly seemed to develop symptoms of AMS much quicker.  Those that used water bottles seemed less inclined to keep reaching round to grab a drink than those that had a bladder and drinking tube close to your mouth.  I veiwed my water as my medicine to prevent AMS and kept sipping every few minutes.  This certainly worked for me and I had no AMS symptoms at all over the whole trip.  By day 5 I had up'd my water intake whilst walking to 4 litres and grabbed any oppotunity to have drinks with our meals as additional fluid.Keep eating - even when you really don't feel like food you must eat! Take plenty of nice snacks with you and boiled sweets.  I found Power Bars good and they are light to carry and certainly give you a long lasting boost.Take at least a 35 litre ruc sac - you don't have to fill it but it makes it easier to pull clothes out quickly if you haven't had to squash them in.  On summit night you will take and use all your clothes as by 3am its very cold and you are not generating any heat as the walking pace is very slow. This is when the larger sac really helps.Train before you go - best form of training and the only training we did was walking and lots of it, especially using the walking boots you'll be taking with you. We trained with heavy ruc sacs and this really helped us on Kili, not that you carry a really heavy pack it just meant we were used to it.Washing - you are provided with a bowl of hot water at breakfast and before dinner. Take a light flannel and we used baby wipes as a top up. Take 2 hand gels, we kept one in our day pack and one in your wash kit. Is there anything else you would like to add? If you love walking and a challenge this is the trip for you. If you have a good level of fitness and a strong determination there is a very good chance you can watch the best sunrise in the world!!Show more
  Traveled in December 2011
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  Jon Coleman

  January 31st, 2012
  5
  Fantastic trip. A liftime experience that you will not forget - very well organised and great value. What was the...
  Fantastic trip. A liftime experience that you will not forget - very well organised and great value. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Last 20 minute climb to Stella point - after a tough climb then seeing the sun rising off to your right and feeling the warmth of the sun, giving a great sense of achievement and happiness!  Big smile as itching to get up to the Summit and take in the fantastic views and scenery.  What did you think of your group leader? Great guy - very calm collected and experienced.  Never had any doubts in his abilities as a climber, leader or organiser. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Pay very close attention to your kit - make sure you have what you need and practise packing and unpacking.  Prior preparation and planning.......  Also make sure you have good waterproof wear and when the rain and mud comes :) You can make the most of everything then without worrying, i.e. the scenery, the company, the experience :)  Fitness I did not think was such a big issue - but that depends on you personally.  You dont need to train for a marathon but make sure you are in good shape.  The final climb is a long way up and you will feel it - but don't worry and keep going you will make it - its as much mental fitness as physical for the last climb. Is there anything else you would like to add? Food on trip is fantastic - hard to believe that eating such good food is possbile up a mountain!!!  You will have an appetite and eat a lot as you will need the energy.Show more
  Traveled in December 2011
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  Sean Willis

  January 19th, 2012
  5
  The most thrilling, rewarding and emotional adventure I have ever been on. What was the most inspirational moment of...
  The most thrilling, rewarding and emotional adventure I have ever been on. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Too many to mention, but here are a few:Setting off from Stella Point in the knowledge that I was going to make it to Uhuru Peak prompted me to burst into tears. An amazing and unexpected personal experience - I hope no one saw me.The camaraderie with guides and fellow trekkers. Personal bonds made for life.So much laughter, especially in times of despair.Getting to the top of the Barranco Wall and, of course, Uhuru Peak - a truly spiritual moment. What did you think of your group leader? Abraham was calm, inspirational, knowledgeable and, by the end of the trip, a true friend. And I have the upmost respect for his whole team, all wonderful people. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? First of all read Henry Stedman's book. That's the only guidebook you'll need.Take wet wipes.Plenty of hiking before you go with a heavy load. I hiked 250 miles during the 5 months leading up to the trip.Take something to wee in at night time - you really won't want to leave your tent at night.Hire their mats.Take all the time you need and be positive and remember to laugh and laugh.Talk to the guides and porters, they are such wonderful people.The only time I got blisters was on the way down - that day and a half of descent was an unexpected torture. Is there anything else you would like to add? I'd been thinking (and talking) about this trek since my late teens. I finally got round to at 49 years of age. Why did I wait so long. If you're thinking of doing it, stop the talking and go for it - it's an adventure that will live in the memory for ever.Show more
  Traveled in December 2011
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  George Shanks

  January 18th, 2012
  5
  Fantastic trip, wonderful experience, highly recommend. Guides, Porters and stomach engineer (aka, chef) all did an...
  Fantastic trip, wonderful experience, highly recommend. Guides, Porters and stomach engineer (aka, chef) all did an excellent job. Trekking is not particularly arduous although summit day is more demanding given A) you ascend overnight, (B) the cold and C) the lack of Oxygen at that altitude.If you have a reasonable level of fitness then, all things being equal, you should manage to make the summit.While it can be warm during the day it can get cold at night. We woke several mornings to frost on the ground so take warm clothes with you and a good sleeping bag, either your own or a hired one. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Watching the sun rise over Africa from Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, was magical. Well worth the overnight hike. Oh, and having my photo taken at the summit to prove I made it! What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader, Simon from the African Walking Company, was superb. He was organised, approachable, calm, patient, enthusiastic, encouraging and had excellent English. He led his team of porters and guides very well. A true leader. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? You might want to consider taking Diamax to help combat the possibility of altitude sickness.The fitter you are, the easier it will be and the more you'll enjoy it. Try doing some hill walking in the Highlands, the Lakes or Snowdon before going. It will help build up your fitness levels.Take warm clothing. While it is warm during the day it can get cold at night. We woke up to frost on several mornings. The ascent to the summit is done overnight, that does get cold. I'd recommend thermals for legs and upper body. In addition I'd suggest you have another 3-4 layers of warm clothing. On top of my thermal vest I had another vest, a warm shirt and a windbreaker then my jacket. Gloves, a balaclava and a hat were also used. On top of my thermal longjohns I had lined trousers designed for wearing in the Scottish winter. That kept me warm. You'll be sleeping in tents so take a torch and a head torch. You'll need a head torch for the overnight climb to the summit. Make sure you take, or hire, a warm sleeping bag and good quality ground mat. The tents can get cold. Take cash in US dollars. Moivaro Lodge, where we stayed before and after the climb, don't accept Sterling but do take US Dollars as well as Tanzanian Shillings. Take your US dollars in small denomination notes. Tips for the guides and porters are paid in US Dollars. Most shops, street traders etc accept US Dollars.If you leave getting your visa until you arrive in Tanzania be prepared for delays. Try and be one of the first off the plane; first come first served. It's all a bit chaotic but they eventually get there.   Is there anything else you would like to add? Tanzania is a poor country. If you have clothes/boots/hats/walking poles etc that you no longer need then leave them. The guides and porters can make use of them. They will be very grateful to receive any such items.Show more
  Traveled in December 2011