Kilimanjaro Climb - Lemosho Route
Experience Overview
Scale Kilimanjaro on the Lemosho Route, considered the most beautiful of the seven established trails up Tanzania’s mightiest mountain. It’s no easy task, but this trip has been designed to maximise your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak at the very top – we have one of the best summit success rates of any operator here. Our eight days on the slopes is longer than most (allowing more time to acclimatise), while larger-than-normal tents, full porterage throughout and chef-prepped meals make the journey as comfortable as possible.
Why trek with us?
One of the highest summit success rates of any operator on Kilimanjaro
One guide to every two trekkers on summit day – essential for maximising your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak
Acclimitisation day built into trip to improve success rates
Larger-than-normal tents make the trek that little more comfortable
Exodus is a member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project, which aims to improve the working conditions of porters
Profile
— Accommodation: 2 Classic nights (hotels), 7 Simple nights (full-service camping) — Eight days of walking — Full porterage throughout — Altitude maximum: 19,340ft (5,895m); average: 13,125ft (4,000m) — Full moon, new moon and female crew departures available (see Dates & Prices) — Zanzibar and safari extensions available
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 2 Classic nights (hotels), 7 Simple nights (full-service camping) — Eight days of walking — Full porterage throughout — Altitude maximum: 19,340ft (5,895m); average: 13,125ft (4,000m) — Full moon, new moon and female crew departures available (see Dates & Prices) — Zanzibar and safari extensions available
Trip For You
The trip is rated Activity Level 6 (Challenging & Tough). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
The summit attempt is graded Activity Level 7 (Tough) because of the high altitude and the level of physical effort needed. The rest of the trek is graded Activity Level 5 (Challenging), more because of the high altitude and extended wilderness camping than the difficulty of walking; hence the overall grading of this trek as Activity Level 6 (Challenging/Tough).
Walking conditions: This is a challenging trek, reaching an altitude of 19,340ft (5,895m). Even if you consider yourself fit, you might still find the climb very hard, depending on how well your body acclimatises to high altitude. There is no scientific way to determine how easily you will acclimatise; the acclimatisation process can also differ from climb to climb. Most of the trails on the Kilimanjaro trek are well defined and good quality but some forest sections are slippery and moorland paths can be very wet in poor weather conditions. The final ascent to Uhuru Peak is almost exclusively on scree and loose rock without permanent footpaths but no technical skills are required. During the trip, we spend time at both high and low altitude, experiencing both extremely cold and quite hot conditions. You should be prepared for an early start every day on Kilimanjaro.
Under 18s: We believe this trek is manageable for a strong 16- or 17-year-old with previous experience of sustained trekking and possibly altitude. Under 18s should be accompanied by an adult on the trek and must pay an additional fee in advance (ask your sales representative for prices) for an accompanying guide. This guide provides support throughout and is available should they need to come off the mountain at any point in the trek.
Group Description
Tour leader: Our leader is a licensed Kilimanjaro Chief Guide, and they will meet you upon arrival and hold a welcome briefing at the hotel on Day 1. On the Kilimanjaro climb, the leader is joined by assistant guides, cooks and porters.
Assistant guides: Exodus has a high guiding ratio on the mountain: one guide for every two trekkers. This is especially important on summit day where you may be feeling very tired. The guides are extremely experienced and are well trained in spotting the effects of altitude. Their guidance is key to maximising your chances of reaching the summit.
Eating Drinking
All meals during the climb are included. Please allow about US$30-US$50 for the two lunches (days 1 and 10) not included.
On trek, the emphasis is on a varied and well-balanced diet with a greater amount of fresh fruit and soup to maximise the daily intake of fluids.
Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. The availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets, eg gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent in Tanzania and we strongly recommend you bring these specialised dietary items from home.
The menu has a high liquid and carbohydrate content, the two important elements for successful climbing. At higher altitudes, stimulants (such as coffee) and less digestible foods (such as meat) are not recommended. Our evening meal at the highest camp on Kilimanjaro is a meatless stew as our experience shows this to be the ideal preparation for the summit day. At mealtimes, a selection of hot drinks is available. Soup is served twice daily.
Daily meals
Bed tea: Tea or coffee served in your tent.Breakfast: Seasonal fresh fruit (mango/banana/watermelon), porridge, cooked eggs, sausage, bacon and toast.Energy snacks, such as biscuits, bananas and chocolate bars, are provided for the daily walkLunch: Either a packed lunch on longer days or, more usually, a hot lunch served in camp by a small team who have raced ahead of the clients. A hot lunch typically consists of soup, bread or pancakes, cheese, tuna, jam, peanut butter, pasta salad and cake.Afternoon tea: Served in late afternoon. It is an opportunity to drink lots of hot drinks and snack on peanuts or popcorn.Dinner: The main meal of the day and always consists of three courses: soup and bread, followed by the main dish, which could be rice, potatoes or pasta with fish, meat or vegetables, and is followed by a dessert often of fruit.Summit snacks: While we provide enough food for the climb, we recommend you bring some of your favourite snacks and keep them for the summit day. The summit day is a long, tough climb and having your favourite snacks can provide a very welcome boost.
Water
While the water we provide on Kilimanjaro is suitable for drinking you may wish to be extra safe and treat it with your own water-purification tablets.
Transportation
All transfers are usually by private minibus or bus depending on the group size.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Recommended arrival time: There is a welcome briefing in the afternoon/evening. Hotel check‐in is normally from around midday.
Airport: Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
Getting to the start hotel
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Weather Information
Although Tanzania lies in the tropics, the temperature depends more on altitude than on season. Northern Tanzania has temperatures around 16C-23C (61F-73F) in August, rising to 18C-28C (64F-82F) in February. The long rains, during which we do not operate trips, occur from late March to May, and there are intermittent short rains in November and December, though the latter have no great effect on mountain climbs.
Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time of the year, but it is usually very wet in the rainforest in April and May. January and February are the warmest months. Above the cloud line, the days are warm and pleasant, with temperatures in sunlight often above 20C (68F), but the nights can get very cold. It is possible for temperatures to get as low as -20C (-4F) at Barafu campsite, our highest overnight stop. The daily weather pattern on the mountain tends to be clear mornings with an afternoon cloud build-up that often clears before sunset. In the (European) summer, the weather is usually cloudy at lower altitudes and often sunny above 11,480ft (3,500m). Please note, mountain weather conditions are never totally predictable and we may meet wet and snowy conditions at any time.
Spending Money
Luggage to be carried by porters on the Kilimanjaro trek is limited to 33lb (15kg) per person. If you wish to take extra luggage, allow US$185 per porter, which is payable in US dollars cash to our local agents at the start of the trip.
It is impossible to spend a lot of money on the mountain climb but both alcohol and souvenirs are readily available in Arusha.
— Beer: Approximately US$3 — Mineral water: Approximately US$2
If anyone needs to leave the group at any point during the trip (for reasons such as an early descent from Kilimanjaro due to altitude sickness), all expenses incurred until rejoining the group on the itinerary described in these Trip Notes are the responsibility of the individual(s) concerned and should be paid directly to our local operators before leaving Tanzania.
Altox personal oxygen system: £367 (subject to change). This is designed to help close the altitude gap between the top camp and the summit.
The pack includes:
— 2 x oxygen cylinders (each cylinder gives 12 hours’ endurance) — 1 x oxygen regulator — 1 x pulse dose delivery system — 1 x silicone nasal cannula — 1 x personal backpack
An additional porter is required to carry the system. The complete system is supplied in a protective Pelicase and backpack, carried by your porter. Guides are all fully trained in the use of the system.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work but tipping has become customary in Tanzania with the increase in tourism. The local staff will expect some gratuity and we suggest you allow for this.
Tipping kitty: On arrival, the tour leader will suggest to the group that they donate between US$210 and US$235 per person for all the staff on Kilimanjaro. This money is then used to tip the guides, cook and porters. How the tips are distributed will be explained in the pre-trip briefing. This method is the smoothest way to ensure all crew on the mountain receive the right amount. In addition, it is also normal to give small tips in restaurants and to luggage porters and drivers.
If there are trainee guides on your departure, please note that their tips are being covered by the Exodus Travels Foundation and so they will not be included in the group tip.
Kindly ensure you have US dollars in a range of denominations to contribute, as other currencies are not much use in Tanzania.
Highlights
— Summit the largest freestanding mountain in the world, Kilimanjaro — Maximise your chance of summiting Uhuru Peak with our 1:2 guide ratio on summit day — Join forces with our expert porters, benefitting from their invaluable experience and enthusiasm — Take a peaceful moment in the wild beauty of the Shira Plateau — Camp above the clouds, with all chores taken care of by our team — Toast your trekking adventures in our much-loved coffee plantation hotel
Trip Details
Product Code: 4360
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: oup size.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: TYR
Starts: Arusha , Kilimanjaro
Finishes: Arusha , Kilimanjaro
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— All breakfasts, eight lunches and nine dinners — All accommodation (see below) — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughout — Kilimanjaro Park feeAccommodation
Moivaro Coffee Plantation Lodge and Kilimanjaro campsOn this adventure, we spend seven nights camping in three-person tents and two nights in a hotel. Arusha: Moivaro Coffee Plantation Lodge (nights 1 and 9) Before and after our time on Kilimanjaro, we stay at the Moivaro Coffee Plantation Lodge. In a peaceful setting just outside Arusha, this property has 40 spacious thatched cottages dotted throughout a beautiful garden overlooked by Mount Meru. There's also an excellent restaurant serving African and international dishes, a bar and a swimming pool. It is also possible to book a massage for when you return from the trek. Kilimanjaro: Full-service camping (nights 2-8) Although conditions are basic on the mountain, the camping we experience is one of the best available on the Lemosho Route. We sleep in Vango Halo Pro 300 tents regardless of whether you have made a twin-share or single supplement booking. These are spacious three-person tents that are ideal for the conditions on Kilimanjaro. Our camp life is about as comfortable as it gets on Kili, with a communal mess tent, where we gather as a group and eat breakfast and dinner, and a private toilet tent. We also ensure there is a bowl of hot washing water for you in the morning and again after the walk at an agreed time in the afternoon. The only exception is the highest camp where there is no water source. Worth knowing The campsites on Kilimanjaro are designated by the national park and are mainly stone/dirt. They are not all level and can be crowded in peak season.Handwashing water, treated with Dettol, is available along with soap before all meals, and everyone is strongly advised to make use of it.The toilet tent has toilet paper within it, but we recommend that you bring your own toilet paper and wet wipes.All camping equipment is provided except for sleeping bags, sleeping mats and pillows.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $6,455 ($646 /day)
Itinerary
The adventure begins at our much-loved hotel in Arusha, which is our home today and upon our return from Kilimanjaro. Depending on your arrival time, you may have time for a dip in the pool or to relax in the lovely gardens. This afternoon/evening, we have a welcome briefing with the Kilimanjaro Chief Guide, which covers all aspects of the trip and includes the distribution of any hired equipment you have booked. Please also bring your passport, insurance details and air ticket details. Accommodation: Moivaro Coffee Plantation Lodge (or similar)
We transfer (67mi/108km) to Lemosho entrance gate (6,890ft/2,100m) in the morning, passing between Kilimanjaro and the horseshoe-shaped volcanic crater of Mount Meru. In the short distance before reaching the Lemosho trail head gate, we drive through farmland and plantations. The last 3mi (5km) of the road to the park gate are poor quality, particularly after rain, and the drive there should be considered part of the adventure. After completing the necessary registration formalities, we often have lunch in the designated tourist shelter before starting our walk. It is an easy day of walking up a small path through lush forest and an area with a variety of wildlife, including buffalos. We camp at Lemosho Forest camp (8,695ft/2,650m). Accommodation: Full-service camping
This morning begins, as all do on the trail, with hot tea brought to your tent – a very welcome wake-up. Today’s hike starts in lush montane forest before ascending into a moorland zone of giant heather. The trail climbs steadily with views across the plains, opening out as we reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. There is a tangible sense of wilderness here, especially if the afternoon mists cloak the landscape. We camp in the centre of the plateau at Shira One (11,645ft/3,550m). Accommodation: Full-service camping
Enjoy a day to help acclimatisation and explore the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations of the plateau. We walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles. The views from our camp near Shira Hut (12,600ft/3,840m) of Mount Meru floating on the clouds are unforgettable. The afternoon is free to relax, enjoying those views and getting to know each other even better. Accommodation: Full-service camping
We have a morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, walking on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (14,930ft/4,550m), we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (12,795ft/3,900m), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below, including the Barranco Wall, which we tackle tomorrow. Accommodation: Full-service camping
A short, steep scramble up the famed Barranco Wall provides us with a different challenge and leads us to an undulating trail on the southeastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the southern icefields. The terrain changes to volcanic scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered hollows, and a powerful sense of mountain wilderness. Our next camp is at Karanga (13,125ft/4,000m), a short distance away. The valley floor has the last water point on the approach to Barafu and we camp on the higher sides of the valley with views towards the glaciers of the southern icefields. Accommodation: Full-service camping
The trail follows a path on compacted scree with wide views ahead including the Barafu Ridge, where our camp lies. The trail climbs to reach the Barafu campsite (15,090ft/4,600m) for lunch, after which there is a short acclimatisation walk to the plateau at the bottom of the southeast valley (15,750ft/4,800m). The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent and includes a very early night. Accommodation: Full-service camping
We start our ascent around midnight so we can reach the crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zigzags and a slow but steady pace takes us to Stella Point (18,815ft/5,735m) in about five or six hours. We rest there for a short time to enjoy sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (19,340ft/5,895m) – congratulations, you’ve made it! Standing at the highest point in Africa, taking your photo at the Uhuru Peak sign and knowing you have climbed one of the Seven Summits is a moment that will stay with you forever! The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast; after some refreshments, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite (12,470ft/3,800m) at Millennium Camp. Accommodation: Full-service camping
Today is a sustained descent on a well-constructed path through lovely tropical forest alive with birdsong and lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Our route winds down to the national park gate at Mweka (5,415ft/1,650m) where we meet our vehicle and drive through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village. The shower, beer and swimming pool are tantalisingly close! We return by bus (62mi/100km) to Arusha. Accommodation: Moivaro Coffee Plantation Lodge (or similar)
The morning can be spent resting in the hotel garden by the pool or exploring Arusha for souvenirs if you have time before your flight. However, if you’d like a little time to recuperate after climbing Kilimanjaro, speak to your sales representative to join our trip extensions, either a relaxing break on idyllic Zanzibar or an unforgettable safari adventure encompassing three different national parks.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Victor Spencer - Traveled, February 2024
Lemosho route to Uhuru the summit of Kilimanjaro! Exodus and their team, whether those based in the UK or on the ground in Tanzania, could not have acted more professionally or been more helpful in ensuring that I had a fantastic trip. Our group’s all female team of guides, led by Lucia, with Joyce, Anna, Angela and Happiness did their utmost everyday with words of encouragement, smiles and gentle cajoling to steer us to the summit! It was like being looked after by a pride of lionesses! Without the rest of Lucia’s team of porters, chefs etc, success would not have been possible. The aim of the trek was to summit Kilimanjaro but by taking the Lemosho Route, it enabled us to enjoy, stunning scenery, interesting and unusual flora and fauna and perhaps most important of all, a little more time to acclimatise for the summit attempt. Prospective trekkers should be aware that a sunrise at the top of Kibo is not guaranteed. The five of us who successfully summited, were greeted by a temperature of -10 deg C and very strong winds! Just glad I had so many layers on! All summit attempts for the previous night were cancelled. This experience will stay with me for the rest of my life, including getting to know my seven fellow trekkers, who were great fun! Have a good look at Exodus, you will not be disappointed. Date of experience: 25 February 2024 Most Inspirational Moment Summit night. To quote one of our fellow group members after summiting: " We looked deeply into ourselves, all through a very dark and stormy night on an unrelenting climb, faced real adversity and prevailed!" Sounds a bit melodramatic but all of the previous night's summit attempts were cancelled because of the weather. Thoughts on Group Leader Lucia Kivio and her assistant guides, Anna, Angela, Happiness and Joyce were superb. As stated above, I couldn't have summited without them. Advice for Potential Travellers 1) Pole, pole, the slower the better. 2) Drink more than you think you will need. 3) Eat plenty, it's easy not to but you need as much energy as possible. 4) A positive attitude is essential, one step at a time, only think about one day at a time and enjoy. 5) Enjoy the company of your group and support each other. Suggestions A fantastic experience which I will never forget!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/11/2024
mary dunne - Traveled, September 2023
Fantastic Experience I loved every minute of this trip. We had a great group, 16 people. Our leader and porters were fantastic. The weather during the day was good. It was cold at night. Thankfully I brought a hot water bottle and the porters filled it for me at night. My only comment would be, that the sleeping bags which we hired were very poor quality. I think that they had been laundered too many times, hence there was no warmth in them. The sleeping bags were very small, just one size! Not sure that a well built man would be able to fit into one of them! I didn’t have any altitude sickness symptoms, but some of my fellow travellers did. The food was great, very plentiful and for me, no tummy problems. I had the right clothes for the trip and this made a huge difference. We had a proper toilet at each camp and that was great for us girls…! I just loved this trip, I would go again tomorrow. I am already looking at Everest Base Camp – I am hooked. Most Inspirational Moment I loved the Baranco wall and reaching the summit early on summit day. Getting there early, meant easy access to the Kilimanjaro sign and to be able to take photos. Those who got there later, had "arguments" with fellow trekkers to get a photo at the sign. The way that the guides and porters work is inspirational. They were such a happy bunch. We loved the singing. Thoughts on Group Leader The group leader was fantastic, very kind and caring. She had a great team around her. All the porters were just fantastic. Great attitude, positive, friendly, happy. Amazing people. Advice for Potential Travellers Take a hot water bottle, have the right clothes,(lots of layers) consider taking your own sleeping bag (right size for you and with the right level of warmth). Maybe get some clothes in the charity shop that you are willing to donate or leave behind at the end of the trip. These are useful for the porters and guides in the future. My clothes got very dirty, I am still trying to get them clean! Think about leaving your trainers/hiking boots for the guides and porters. Their shoes and clothes are not the same quality that we are used to. Suggestions Be prepared for cold nights in the tent. Do some training beforehand. For me, its all about endurance! Its not for the faint hearted. If you are prepared and you are relatively fit, you will love every moment of it. Some travel companies gave their clients a medal, that would be a nice touch! Something to consider Exodus!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/27/2023
Alex Brooks - Traveled, October 2022
Trip of a Lifetime This trip is well worth booking, challenging yet rewarding I am so pleased we chose to do this through Exodus. The food is great, it’s hard to believe food to such a high standard is prepared in a tent. Most Inspirational Moment The team who helped us throughout the week are so inspirational. They work so hard and yet always have a smile on their faces. There is no way we would have completed summit day without their expertise and support. We were a group of 6 with a team of 23! Thoughts on Group Leader Our team leader was called Happiness and she was amazing in everyday. Supportive, professional, inspiring and so experienced. Happiness ran a great team, always made sure we were feeling OK, checked how much we were eating and drinking and made sure we dug deep to get to the top. Her assistant guides Lucy, Simon, Pendaely and Floriam (for summit day) were equally amazing. They all work so well together. Nothing can prepare you for how difficult the summit walk is and without good guides it would be impossible to make it. Advice for Potential Travellers The tents are small so if travelling alone I think the single supplement is money vety well spent! I also think arriving a couple of days early really helps prepare for the climb. The whole trip is extremely dusty so bring plenty of spare clothes! One of the members of our trip hired a sleeping bag and it wasn't warm enough, every camp is cold so do research and bring a good sleeping bag and roll mat.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/20/2022
Anne Weare - Traveled, October 2022
A fabulous bucket list trek A tough but inspiring adventure that provides stunning scenery, great camaraderie and the realisation of a bucket list dream Most Inspirational Moment Reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro with a group of people who had become as close as family and enjoying the success together - knowing that we had conquered our collective struggles and achieved something that had challenged us. Thoughts on Group Leader Happiness was simply the best. She was organised, informative, supportive and motivational. She got the measure of each member of the group very quickly and identified any weaknesses so she, along with the assistant guides, could lend a hand immediately it was required. She gave us confidence and instilled a belief that we could do it. She was also funny, fun and great company. Advice for Potential Travellers Go for it!!! Find yourself a really comprehensive kit list. I used Mark Whitman's https://www.climbkilimanjaroguide.com/kilimanjaro-kit-list/ Technical kit can be expensive but there are loads of deals on line and I found some excellent bits and pieces in charity shops. When you read the suggested tip amount on the trip notes it might seem a bit high - it is not. The work the team do is phenomenal and they absolutely deserve it. Battery power banks worked better than solar chargers Suggestions Thank you!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/28/2022
Don Collins - Traveled, September 2022
TYR: Kilimanjaro Climb - Lemosho Route The overall trip was a great success. The Kia Lodge was basic but clean. The initial transfer from Kia Lodge to the Moivaro hotel was smooth. The Moivaro Coffee plantation hotel was a good quality hotel with good facilities. The journey to Lemosho Gate was as expected. The 8 day hike was well led, well supported and the food was plentiful and of good quality. The chef did a superb job. The tents could do with an upgrade, and the groundsheets were a tad smaller than necessary. The support staff were magnificent and all played their parts in making this a memorable journey. The return to Moivaro was as expected although some of the admin could have been completed quicker to allow more time at the hotel after 8 days hiking. The private transfer back to Jaro airport was a mess! Transport did not arrive on time, after chaser call, Exodus admin staff member (who did her utmost) arrived to pick us up in private car about 20 mins later but ran out of petrol. Taxi was flagged and passenger ejected. Private taxi then tried to play catch-up and had to stop to fill up before rushing us to the airport exceeding limits, risky overtaking and honking horn. We got to the airport…..but not a particularly satisfactory end to the trip. Most Inspirational Moment Reaching the summit along with other team members and the 'crew' who were particularly helpful and attentive. The efforts of the entire support staff were truly marvelous and they appeared to work well with their guides and trip leader David. Thoughts on Group Leader David was an excellent leader and demonstrated his skills and capability throughout the entire climb Advice for Potential Travellers Prepare well, only take what you need and embrace the spirit of teamwork.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2022
Claire Scrafton - Traveled, October 2019
Fabulous Adventure While summit night was very challenging due to a snow blizzard and extreme cold the overall trip was very well led by our Chief guide David, the porters were wonderful, the food was amazing considering we camping for 8 days and our group of 10 bonded quickly as a team and were all very supportive and encouraging of each other. Most Inspirational Moment Getting back to base camp ?? after making time the summit in horrendous weather conditions Thoughts on Group Leader David was very talented leader in how he supported and advised us as a group and his leadership of the team of 43 porters /assistant guides who supported us. His approach was authoritative but very kind. Advice for Potential Travellers Go for it, it’s tough but the feeling of satisfaction is amazing m. I’m no athlete and suffer from asthma but the guides let me walk at my own pace and I made it!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2019
Dorothy Walker - Traveled, October 2019
This fantastic adventure will remain with me for the rest of my life! I was in a team with 4 others who will be ‘forever friends’ such a short time on the mountain six days up and two down yet we got to know each other so well encouraging each other all the way. An absolute dream team . Thank you Caroline , Hazel, Fay and Andrew . Our head guide Julian (J.T) was superb as were Hance and David. As long as I can remember I have wanted to climb this mountain and at 62 I thought I should give it a go! A month ago today I stood on the roof of Africa. What a day! Most Inspirational Moment Everyday was different the rain forest , Shira Plateau, Lava Tower etc. The most fun day was the great Barranco wall which looks steep but completely doable. On summit night I was excited, apprehensive and just wanted to get to the top however I knew it would be a very long day reaching Uhuru Peak .As soon as day break comes you get this burst of extra energy! Reaching Uhuru Peak was just the best moment! Thoughts on Group Leader I can not praise our guides enough . Head guide - Julian (J.T.) was so professional, so kind and patient setting a sensible pace to allow us to acclimatise. Absolutely first class chap. Assistant guides- David and Hance equally as professional . I felt safe at all times on our journey. They all gave quiet and kind words of encouragement all the way. They never stop smiling and making things seem easy! I shall never forget them . Not forgetting our superb cook Trophin providing the food which would give us the energy we needed each day . Excellent porridge ! The wonderful porters and assistant guides Rikado Trophin and Arnold Thomas. Julius I thank you for also always being there! All the way to the top! Advice for Potential Travellers The most important thing is to follow the pace the guides set they are so experienced and everyone will tell you poly poly and that’s exactly what to do to give yourself more of a chance of acclimatising and reaching the summit . Don’t forget your nail brush ! I did ! Keep your head down especially on summit day this was the advice I was given ‘don’t look up’!! Just keep plodding . Have fun , you will love it and carry those memories forever. Suggestions Thank you Exodus and the African Walking Company
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/12/2019
caroline lewis - Traveled, September 2019
A trip of a lifetime! I had the privilege of trekking up Kilimanjaro (8 day Lemosho route) with the best walking pals and crew in the entire world. I’ve never walked at altitude before, and I was honestly a little nervous, but I am so glad I booked the trip. The views are incredible, you learn a lot about yourself and above all you are surrounded by the most supporting, caring and knowledgeable leaders and crew who seem to permanently have smiles on their faces – ably led by JT (Justin Thomas). What a wonderful way to spend 8 days, I can’t recommend it highly enough. Most Inspirational Moment The most inspirational moment and quite frankly the most surprising was a birthday cake our chef had baked for a member of our team, at 4,600metres! Also a very big shout out to our wonderful team leader, JT - every single day he would pick up rubbish my fellow walkers had carelessly thrown away on the trek, its selfless acts like that that inspire you to do your best and not to let anyone down. Thoughts on Group Leader JT has a permanent smile on his face. His knowledge and understanding of the mountain is second to none and is an inspirational character. JT, David and Hanse (assistant guides) all became our hero's and we all had a lot of fun during the trip, in particular after we had all scaled the Barranco Wall, what a fabulous afternoon! Its no wonder JT won the Exodus guide of the year in 2016, I have no doubt he will be up in the running for guide of the year again, he absolutely deserves every accolade he gets. I also have to give a special shout-out to our 2 other assistant guides; Hanse and David. Both of whom I have to say were incredible on summit night for so many reasons, and again so incredibly professional, funny - we all felt very safe. Advice for Potential Travellers Yes, get the miles in! Trust me, you don't have to be a marathon runner or a triathlete etc, in order to take part in this epic adventure. If you are sensible and start to add in extra park run's or spin classes every week plus wracking up the walking miles every weekend, you shouldn't have any problems. I would also strongly suggest you read up on all the points of view in regards to taking the anti-altitude tablet, diamox. I took it and it worked, but please note it doesn't work for everyone, so listen to all the advice given, listen to your GP and make an educated decision. Finally......take a hot water bottle, trust me, you'll really appreciate it on the very cold nights. Suggestions All I would say is do your research, and DO NOT be afraid to step away from the norm. I've never done anything like this before, if you think you can't do it, believe me you absolutely can. I've had the most inspirational time of my life, your confidence rockets and you end up with friends for life and an experience you'll never, ever forget. Our small team of 5 walkers were assisted by JT, David, Hanse and a crew of 27, all of whom we can't thank enough for their sheer hard work, good humour and the constant smiling!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/17/2019
Hansa Jadva-Patel - Traveled, August 2019
Kurudi Afrika (Back to Africa) I was born in East Africa and having walked through the rift valleys as a child, it was always my desire to climb to the roof of Africa. Although a regular walker myself, the ascent on few occasions became a challenge, especially on the summit night and I would not have succeeded the climb if it wasn’t for the support I was given by John (Tony Seka) and his support team. Their continuous kindness and patience was very much appreciated – and I know that this view is shared by everyone in my group! Most Inspirational Moment Several highlights and to name a few, reaching Stella point, golden sunrise on the summit climb, Mount Meru and its continual presence above the clouds and golden sunset over it, climbing Barranco Wall, night sky with full moon and stars, practicing my Swahili again after several decades etc., enjoying the company of some of the fellow walkers and the support team. Thoughts on Group Leader I would not have made it to the top without John’s support and his patience. He was always very professional and totally committed to his job and nothing was too onerous for him. He was a very competent leader, supporting a team of assistant leaders, porters, and chefs who looked after our group of 10 very well. John was undoubtedly my hero! Advice for Potential Travellers Climbing Kilimanjaro, regardless of what grade it has been ranked, it should not be underestimated. Despite having undertaken numerous regular training walks building up to the trip, some long distance walks, it was physically challenging, so some physical preparation prior to the climb is essential. There is a structured tipping scheme; guidance is included in the trip notes, so useful to have the funds available. Suggestions The trip that I had undertaken was advertised as ‘all female crew’. This was also confirmed by Exodus staff in a telephone conversation who further assured me that it was to promote female employment. Hence this influenced my choice of trip. I was a little dismayed that this wasn’t the case. Having said this, I was not disappointed by the support team we had who were faultless!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/17/2019
Amanda Crocker - Traveled, August 2019
Lemosho Kilimanjaro Very well organised and supervised trip Guides were amazing All staff very helpful Amazing trip Most Inspirational Moment Getting to the top after 8 cold windy dark hours Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent Advice for Potential Travellers Take mittens not gloves for summit night as much warmer Hire warm down coat and mittens from the company especially if you feel the cold Suggestions Haven’t camped since I was 13 ( much older now!) and thoroughly enjoyed it , support and service was excellent cannot recommend the trip highly enough .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2019
Colin Donovan - Traveled, August 2019
Trip of a lifetime. All ten of our party summited after a long and sometimes difficult tiring trek. This was down to Johns fantastic leadership skills and constant encouragement and help. He has a first class team of assistant guides and brilliant porters who all had a real positive attitude and couldn’t do more for you. Most Inspirational Moment Reaching Uhuru Peak after an 8 hour trek with my fellow walkers and guides. It felt like one big happy and emotional family who had achieved their combined goal together. Thoughts on Group Leader John was inspirational. From collecting us at the airport to dropping us off 9 days later. John knows the mountain like the back of his hand and his knowledge and information he passes on every day is truly superb. I don’t think I would have got to the top without John or his excellent assistant guides. Advice for Potential Travellers Make sure you train hard. Lots of long walks and try to keep the weight off. Listen to the advice given by the guides always. Walk very slowly, drink lots and lots of water and try to be positive at all times. This is a difficult trek especially on summit night but if you listen to the guides you’ll complete it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/27/2019
Mark Latham - Traveled, July 2019
On the roof of Africa Review of my Exodus trip to Kilimanjaro in The Herald: https://www.heraldscotland.com/life_style/16237809.travel-trek-to-the-summit-of-mount-kilimanjaro/ Most Inspirational Moment See the above link. Thoughts on Group Leader See the above link. Advice for Potential Travellers See the above link. Suggestions See the above link.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/27/2019
William Pearce - Traveled, August 2019
Summit fever!wonderful Wonderful feeling on reaching the summit after a midnight start ! Most Inspirational Moment Reaching the summit! Watching and joining in with the African team final celebrations. Thoughts on Group Leader JT(Justin) was great.more cheer leader than group leader. An inspirational guy. Advice for Potential Travellers Better to hire a jacket , sleeping bag and ground sheet.our trip was very dry and dusty and gaiters were very useful. Suggestions The Tanzanians have a structured tipping scheme! So if you are going to contribute make sure you have the funds available
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/23/2019
Mohan Paul - Traveled, September 2018
Awesome...! Absolutely loved every moment of the trip Most Inspirational Moment It was getting to the top of clouds... it was breath taking, and I just never got tired of the views. Waking up and seeing some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets, was so worth it. Thoughts on Group Leader JT was probably one of the nicest, most humble people I’ve ever met. He has an amazing talent to be able to encourage, and inspire people when they feel like giving up. He has a great sense of humour and clearly loves interacting with people - both the travellers and also the porters and support staff. He is well respected from what I saw and I can see why. Advice for Potential Travellers Definitely take diamox with you. Altitude sickness really does make a fair few people suffer... I had some of the worst headaches/migraines I’ve ever had in my life during the trip. The medication was a blessing... and take plenty of paracetamol too. Suggestions When can I go again? ??
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/12/2018
Valerie Boissel - Traveled, October 2018
To the unsung sheroes and heroes of Kilimanjaro I will echo previous reviews which have noted how fantastic this trip is – to me, time spent on Kilimanjaro was just magical… The mountain was as majestic as I expected it to be; the Lemosho route providing a great opportunity to discover the various landscapes it holds at different altitudes. Reaching Uhuru after days living above the clouds was the culmination of a special journey which would not have been possible without the incredible support, kindness, professionalism and all around awesomeness (TO THE MAX! ;)) provided by our dream team, aka JT and his crew – a total of 63 badass Tanzanian men and women, the real heroes and sheroes of this adventure! Their smiles and songs literally propelled me to the top of Kilimanjaro! Most Inspirational Moment To name a few besides reaching the summit: watching the full moon overlooking the mountain turned pink-ish by the sun setting; watching Mount Meru 'float' among clouds from Cathedral Point Shira Peak; having a blast climbing Barranco Wall; being the witness and recipient of kindness and solidarity; dancing and singing with my crew in Swahili; being inspired by women and men porters alike for their strength and spirit; enjoying the journey and being present to the moment. Thoughts on Group Leader JT is not only an outstanding group leader but simply said a pretty awesome human being who surrounds himself with an amazing crew from African Walking Company - I knew from the get go that I was in very safe hands and that I 'only had to' enjoy the ride, which I did, TO THE MAX! :) Special thanks and praise also go to our assistant guides Simon, Angela, Lucia, Happiness, Saïdi, Yohanna, Ionas, and Abdul, who were a joy to walk by and share jokes, stories and songs with. Advice for Potential Travellers Regardless of its height, Kilimanjaro, as any other mountain, should not be underestimated - It is important to prepare physically for the challenge, ie build enough endurance to sustain a week of walking (up to 8h or longer for summit day) at high altitude (with a bagpack!), which will in turn help you enjoy the ride and adopt the Tanzanian attitude - one step at a time, hakuna matata! I personally had no issue to report with altitude during the whole trip except around 5400-5500 m when I believe I suffered a mild hypothermia I could not shake (which built up over 7h of climbing in snowy conditions despite wearing 6 top layers and 3 bottom ones) - thanks to JT's quick thinking and my fellow hikers' kindness (big up to Matt and Kieron!!), I was lended 2 additional top layers (hello Michelin woman!) which meant my body was finally able to warm up ( I tend to have high metabolism and I am naturally thin so I am not too surprised this happened) and I could complete the climb to 5895 m. All this to say, think carefully about your layering, your packing, ... and how your own body may specifically react :) (ie do not just take into account general reviews about what to pack for Kilimanjaro.) Suggestions Two weeks on, and my heart and brain are still on that mountain... Where do I sign up again? :)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/21/2018
Rupert Livingstone - Traveled, September 2018
The trip (and JT) was awesome and to the max A fantastic trip which was an experience rather than bagging a summit. The camaraderie and bond that developed between us and the crew made the trip special. Can I do it again? Most Inspirational Moment Seeing my wife get to the summit when I had to turn back. Well done my love. Thoughts on Group Leader JT was superb. He was joyous and enthusiastic about Kili, Tanzania, his crew and us. He and his crew welcomed us into their family and we all left, I think, leaving a little part of us with him. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared to be smelly - you cannot really wash until getting back to the hotel - but when you do it is fantastic! Get yourself fit, physically and mentally, it is a hard trip and you will most likely have to go past your comfort zone and what you are used to. Close you eyes at some campsites - they are crowded and there is quite some detritus Suggestions The crew do appreciate any spare kit you have and you will most likely want to gift some to them.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2018
Alex Beament - Traveled, May 2018
Poah cacheezy camandeezy danya frigee The title is Swahili for “Cool as a crazy banana in the fridge”. This trip was excellent! Well organised and well operated by our leader, JT. He and his team were friendly, knowledgeable, supportive, capable, polite, skilled, very VERY experienced, professional, the list goes on! I was nervous about coming on this trip as I had never done anything like it before, but everything was so well managed that one by one, my worries disappeared and turned into excitement and even relaxation. Everyone in the group was like-minded, determined and supportive of each other so we all got along very well. I went on my own so it was a relief to find that every one of my group had similar enough ambitions and were easy to get along with, despite coming from a range of backgrounds. I don’t believe this was just a happy accident – everyone climbing this mountain has more than enough in common to bond over and Exodus nourishes that bond well. Most Inspirational Moment Reaching the top! Being above the clouds and wending through the grand rain forests at the start and the very end were all highlights for me as well. Shira cathedral and the Baranco Wall also made good scrambling (climbing) and although I got a bit of a headache at the lava tower, that was something else I had been looking forward to and it did not disappoint. Thoughts on Group Leader JT and his team were friendly, knowledgeable, supportive, capable, polite, skilled, very VERY experienced, professional. He's already won the award for best group leader and he fully deserves to win it again. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared, think about what you need. Your kit doesn't have to be perfect, just enough. Anything else is a comfort you're welcome to (but remember, either you or your porter, who WILL become your friend, will be carrying it). Consider what you will want to use when: - Travelling - On the plane - When you arrive - Leave the hotel - Wake up in the tent each morning - When it's warm at the bottom - When it's cold at the top - When it rains - When your camera loses charge - When you go to sleep in the tent - When you wake up in the morning - What information you need and how to store it (what reception is available) Just go through the situations of what the holiday will bring and consider what you need for those situations. Research altitude sickness. You don't need to be an expert and you don't need all the drugs - I personally did not take diamox and was just as well off as everyone else (some people did). Pole pole. Going slow sounds boring, but remember when sitting in your office thinking about the trip, but you're out in the wild by the tallest free standing mountain in the world. Make the most of it, look around, take pictures. You're only going to have to wait around when you get to camp. Even if you're really fit and the fastest walker in the world, you'll still fall short of breath at some point. And unless you can beat the record of under 5.5 hours to summit, I'm not interested in how fast you can do it. I'm more interested in what you get out of it, so just relax and see the sights. Suggestions Top trip. If the world didn't have more to explore, I'd do it again. Maybe I still will one day. I look forward to my next Exodus trip - probably Everest base camp.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/19/2018
Paul Walters - Traveled, March 2018
Kilimanjaro - Adventure of a Lifetime Kilimnjaro – Awesome – To the MAX !!! Most Inspirational Moment Clambering out off my frozen tent at Shira 1 Camp, and seeing the snow-clad summit of Kilimanjaro in the distance, and knowing in only a few days, we would be at the top. Thoughts on Group Leader Our group leader was one of the funniest, happiest, and most competent outdoor professionals it has ever been my pleasure to meet. A totally indomitable spirit, and for whom I grew to have the utmost respect. Advice for Potential Travellers In the form of a list:- 1. Don't under-estimate the extremes of temperature. Days are hot and sweaty. Nights can be bitterly cold. 2, Make sure you have a very good sleeping bag... you're going to be spending a lot of time in it. 3. Don't under-estimate how cold it will be on the summit attempt. We had wind-chill down to -20deg. You'll be making the summit bid at night and we did ours in a snowstorm, even at the end of March. It was very very cold. Take lots of thermals, and layer up.... 4 or 5 layers is expected. 4. Don't use a Camelbak, Platypus or other water bladder system. Trying to suck a mouthful of water through a 1m length of tube at 4500m will disrupt your breathing and make you gasp for breath. Better to take a couple of 1litre bottles so you can pour water into your mouth and swallow. Your mouth will get very dry due to the dry air at altitude. 5. Don't take a Camelbak etc as the drinking tube WILL freeze solid on summit day. 6. Take some form of insulation for your drinking bottle. 7. Take a pee bottle for use at night. Campsites can be busy, and struggling to get out of a sleeping bag, get dressed and walk across to the toilet tent can be a real pain. Pee in a bottle and empty it in the morning. Much easier. 8. Take lots of snacks you enjoy, and comfort foods. The food on the trek is good, but nibbling something you love when you need a lift is the best feeling ever. 9. Take high energy foods, gels or "power bar" type snacks for summit day. You will need them. 10. Take factor 50 sunblock and apply it every day even if it's cloudy. I burned my arm and wrist in about 1 hour on the journey from the airport to our hotel, and it only got worse as the trek went on. Do not ignore this advice. UV effects are far more intense due to the thin air. Every one of us suffered with sun or wind burn. 11. Weigh your stuff. The porters will only carry 15kg, and you don't want to be carrying more than 6kg in your day pack. Anything heavier will affect your breathing. Leave spare clothes at the hotel to change in to when you return. 12. Enjoy every minute of it. The landscape is awesome. The experience is awesome. You will make some solid friends in the group as everyone suffers and shares the same. 13. Make sure you take enough cash in US dollars. They can be used everywhere. You will want to tip the porters and guides much more than they state in the trip notes..... these guys and girls are truly what makes the trip. 14. You will probably want to donate some of your equipment to the porters. In my group, we left behind rucksacks, sleeping bags, trekking boots, thermal gear, gloves, hats, buffs, water bottles, etc. Tanzania is a very poor country with around 30% unemployment. Working as a porter is a good job, but many of them have very little specialised equipment. They do not expect it, but are honoured to receive it. Suggestions If you have any specific questions, I will be happy to receive them by email and answer as best I can.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/21/2018
Richard Atkinson - Traveled, January 2018
The Lemosho route to success on Kili Just back from a great trip. From the moment you land your African adventure starts. The Moivaro lodge provides a relaxing and comfortable start and end point, but your focus is inevitably on the challenge ahead. Our guide JT gave an excellent pre-trek briefing and throughout the trek provided support and motivation – always with a smile, a laugh or a song. If you have even the slightest concern about altitude and acclimatisation, the Lemosho route is an excellent choice: the extra time allows for a gradual approach over the Shira Plateau, with some acclimatisation walks (going higher and sleeping lower). And it’s attractive. Don’t expect to be trekking in splendid isolation on any route. Even on the supposedly quieter Lemosho route (which eventually merges with two other routes) there is the daily traffic of porters passing you every morning…and you get to recognise and chat with other groups as you pass each other on the way. I hadn’t realised when I first chose my dates, that this trip was a ‘female crew’ trip. I’m so glad it was. Apart from the value of this scheme in providing opportunities for females porters and guides, having a mixed crew really added to the friendly atmosphere of our camp. All organised groups seemed to have moments when their crew sang for the clients, but for us this went to a different level. Not only did their voices (and smiles) really lift the singing, but you never felt this was a performance; it carried on even when they were in their own tent in the afternoons. Oh, and although we were a small group, we all reached the summit! Most Inspirational Moment Reaching the summit was the highlight, but scrambling on the Barranco Wall was exciting (there is a little exposure in short patches which could cause some anxiety for anyone with a fear of heights, but is otherwise quite manageable. Porters manage it with big loads!). And listening to the female crew members singing! Thoughts on Group Leader JT: exceptional. Highly professional and with a great personality. Always motivating us and ensuring we were ok. And he showed similar care for his crew. Advice for Potential Travellers Go for it! The Lemosho route is great for acclimatisation, and is an attractive route. Don’t be put off by the female crew departures - indeed, I can’t recommend it enough.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/17/2018
Mark Rendall - Traveled, September 2017
Exodus delivers again! An amazing trip up Kilimanjaro, with a professional leader, guides, porters & support team (66 in total). The team got all 16 in the party up and all were very supportive! Most Inspirational Moment Making the rim for sunrise and of course the summit at Uhuru Peak - a moment and memory to savour! Thoughts on Group Leader Professional and dedicated. Advice for Potential Travellers Put in some training, it will make the trek more enjoyable. Suggestions Has to be one towards the top of the "bucket list" & to be proudly crossed off!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/28/2017
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