Strength Training Anatomy by Delavier Review
Exodus and African Walking Company Review
Exodus 5/5
We did (and by 'we' I mean my partner) a huge amount of research into various different companies we could have booked our Kilimanjaro climb with. Out of them all Exodus just seemed the most professional and with fantastic reviews to boot.
Their website is hugely useful and easy to use. We actually used the website an awful lot in the run up to the trip, checking the route, looking at pictures etc.
Customer care is amazing and answered any questions we had, either via phone or on online chat. We received a really clear and concise equipment tick list so we could tick off each item we had. This was really handy as it was our first adventure of this kind, so it really gave us a good idea of what we needed to get or what we might have already.
They have a really good set up with the African Walking Company, sending us the Exodus bags, which are the perfect size and shape for the AWC Porters to carry.
The flights were fine (although I'd not like to venture on an Ethiopian Airlines flight again if I could help it), saying that they were on time and clean enough, and isn't really a reflection on Exodus. All our connections and transportation were on time, and all the stop over hotels and lodges were fantastic.
Hiring equipment through exodus is super easy and the equipment is of a high quality and clean. It makes sense to hire the big awkward items like walking poles, sleeping bags and big arctic coats etc.
All in all I'd definitely recommend Exodus to go on any trip with, they do some amazing ones, just take your pick. And if you're planning on doing Mt. Kilimanjaro then please read on about the African Walking Company.
The African Walking Company 5/5
What can I say about the African Walking Company? Brilliant, fantastic, amazing. They are the most friendly, upbeat and professional people I've ever met. Each guide was fantastic in their own way, as well as each porter. Lead guide Abraham met us on our first night to go through the climb and hand out any hired equipment. All the guides and porters were all just so easy to talk to and would answer any questions you had about the climb, Africa, their homes, literally anything and would love to hear about England and your home.
The food, oh the food. The food was incredible, and I was in constant disbelief that the cook could make these amazing meals all the way up a mountain. We had three courses for pretty much every meal, for snacks we had popcorn and fruit to keep our energy up. For really long days we'd have lunch boxes made up with fruit, chocolate and even savoury pancakes or boiled eggs.
The tents and amenities were also great, especially the toilet tents as some of the long drops leave a lot to be desired. Plus the bright blue of the toilets tents were always easy to spot from a while away from camp so you had something to aim for on the last parts of the trek, weird but true.
The African Walking Company was just so friendly, professional and reliable. I can't recommend them highly enough, I would always choose The African Walking company for any trip that they do.
I hope this review helps you make a decision on choosing the companies you'll choose to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with, if you have any questions I am always more than happy to help, just leave a comment below or tweet me @NF_fitness.
Zanzibar
We landed on Zanzibar full of excitement. It was warm, sunny and we all felt so relaxed already. We hopped on the connection bus and made our way to our hotel. On the way the driver randomly stopped by the side of the road and after much deliberation on the price (we guess), handed us a bunch of tiny bananas, they were delicious, sweet and probably one of the best bananas I'd ever eaten. Great ploy by the driver to get a bigger tip, worked.
After a very bumpy ride we came upon the hotel. Wow, what a sight to behold. The hotel lobby is a huge wooden building, with a tall pointed roof, looking out to the sea. The bluest sea I'd ever seen, the beach the whitest beach, palm trees, everything you'd see on TV as the perfect place of paradise.
The 'rooms' were actually little lodges, each split into two sides. Petals laid out on the bed, it looked beautiful. On the porch was a lovely table and seat, and a hanging bed to lounge in.
We dropped off our stuff in the room, and headed straight to the beach to check out the views. The views were absolutely incredible and the hotel hugely comfortable, we felt so spoilt, especially after our gruelling climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro. This was pure luxury.
We spent a lot of the time relaxing on the beach, playing beach volleyball with the rest of the group and football on the sand. On one of the days we took a trip to Stone Town, as we'd heard much about it.
Stone Town was beautiful, fantastic architecture and winding streets. This was the perfect souvenir getting expedition, every shop had lovely trinkets, art, scarves and spices. I enjoyed the town but after a while I did find the constant badgering of the street sellers to be a bit of an annoyance. We visited a lovely little restaurant and got munched by mosquitos whilst we munched our food.
Whilst in Stone Town we visited a food market in one of the squares every smell and sight a real treat. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming.
The staff at the hotel were all really friendly too and would do anything for you. The cocktails at the bar were especially good, but my favourite drink was their ginger beer, Stoney Tangawizi. It's so weird going to other countries and yet the Coca Cola company is everywhere. There was even a hotel dog, a lovely old fella who slept mostly but enjoyed some cuddles every now and then.
In the evenings we'd have a lovely meal and all the group would chillout together playing cards, games and drinking. It was an amazing experience, one I'll never forget.
Exodus Travel Company and African Walking Company reviews coming soon!
Don't forget to like this post, comment and follow me on twitter @NF_fitness.
After a very bumpy ride we came upon the hotel. Wow, what a sight to behold. The hotel lobby is a huge wooden building, with a tall pointed roof, looking out to the sea. The bluest sea I'd ever seen, the beach the whitest beach, palm trees, everything you'd see on TV as the perfect place of paradise.
The 'rooms' were actually little lodges, each split into two sides. Petals laid out on the bed, it looked beautiful. On the porch was a lovely table and seat, and a hanging bed to lounge in.
We dropped off our stuff in the room, and headed straight to the beach to check out the views. The views were absolutely incredible and the hotel hugely comfortable, we felt so spoilt, especially after our gruelling climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro. This was pure luxury.
We spent a lot of the time relaxing on the beach, playing beach volleyball with the rest of the group and football on the sand. On one of the days we took a trip to Stone Town, as we'd heard much about it.
Stone Town was beautiful, fantastic architecture and winding streets. This was the perfect souvenir getting expedition, every shop had lovely trinkets, art, scarves and spices. I enjoyed the town but after a while I did find the constant badgering of the street sellers to be a bit of an annoyance. We visited a lovely little restaurant and got munched by mosquitos whilst we munched our food.
Whilst in Stone Town we visited a food market in one of the squares every smell and sight a real treat. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming.
The staff at the hotel were all really friendly too and would do anything for you. The cocktails at the bar were especially good, but my favourite drink was their ginger beer, Stoney Tangawizi. It's so weird going to other countries and yet the Coca Cola company is everywhere. There was even a hotel dog, a lovely old fella who slept mostly but enjoyed some cuddles every now and then.
In the evenings we'd have a lovely meal and all the group would chillout together playing cards, games and drinking. It was an amazing experience, one I'll never forget.
Exodus Travel Company and African Walking Company reviews coming soon!
Don't forget to like this post, comment and follow me on twitter @NF_fitness.
The Way Down #2
We awoke in a buzzing camp, feeling much warmer than the previous mornings. Following some great grub it was time for the tipping ceremony. It's customary at the end of each climb to tip the guides and porters for all their hard work. A member of the group is nominated to thank each party and give out the tips. Both before and after this all the guides and porters sing to all the climbers.
For the next hours of trekking downwards all that could be heard were the hums of joyous adventurers, humming the tune of their song.
We travelled back down through the forest, even spying a few cheeky monkeys along the way.
After many, many hours we reached a point in the path that was only metres away from the final gate. Some of our group were still a way behind us so the guide with us, Declan, took us on a little detour to a beautiful, dazzling waterfall. The rocks around it and the water itself seemed to shimmer with gold.
Once we'd taken in the awe of the waterfall we made our way back up to reunite with the others. Walking just a few metres around the corner was Marangu gate, the official end to our climb.
We waited at the shop for a while for the others and bought t-shirts and passion fruit fanta. It was incredible how much of a treat a fizzy drink was.
I gave Joseph, the guide who helped us on the final day up the mountain, my hat and buff as I noticed he didn't have either. I hope he still carries them with him. He's a true friend and we still exchange emails together.
A bus greeted us and off we went to a lodge to rest up in preparation for our flights to Zanzibar. Arusha airport is the smallest airport you'd ever see in your life. After being waved through 'security' we boarded our tiny 15 seater plane.
The pilot was a lovely chap and the tininess of the plane made us feel all the more adventurous, Indiana Jones style. After a really short flight we touched down in gorgeous Zanzibar.
To be continued...
For the next hours of trekking downwards all that could be heard were the hums of joyous adventurers, humming the tune of their song.
We travelled back down through the forest, even spying a few cheeky monkeys along the way.
After many, many hours we reached a point in the path that was only metres away from the final gate. Some of our group were still a way behind us so the guide with us, Declan, took us on a little detour to a beautiful, dazzling waterfall. The rocks around it and the water itself seemed to shimmer with gold.
Once we'd taken in the awe of the waterfall we made our way back up to reunite with the others. Walking just a few metres around the corner was Marangu gate, the official end to our climb.
We waited at the shop for a while for the others and bought t-shirts and passion fruit fanta. It was incredible how much of a treat a fizzy drink was.
I gave Joseph, the guide who helped us on the final day up the mountain, my hat and buff as I noticed he didn't have either. I hope he still carries them with him. He's a true friend and we still exchange emails together.
A bus greeted us and off we went to a lodge to rest up in preparation for our flights to Zanzibar. Arusha airport is the smallest airport you'd ever see in your life. After being waved through 'security' we boarded our tiny 15 seater plane.
The pilot was a lovely chap and the tininess of the plane made us feel all the more adventurous, Indiana Jones style. After a really short flight we touched down in gorgeous Zanzibar.
To be continued...
The Way Down #1
Uhuru Peak was absolutely amazing. After photo taking and hugging, taking in the view, absorbing the achievement, it was time to go. Up that high the air is super thin so the guides only let you stay up at the top for around 15 minutes. Luckily, when you reach the top, time seems to slow down, the 15 minutes feels double or triple that.
We made our way back to Gilman's Point, the sun high in the sky, beaming down on our faces. After reaching Gilman's Point we began our steady descent down Jamaica Rocks. We thought going up Jamaica Rocks was tough, well, it was even tougher going down. Thank God for walking poles is all I'm gonna say. At the bottom of Jamaica Rocks we reached a place we hadn't actually seen before.
In the blackness of the night we'd shuffled along, meandering like a liquid snake, unable to take in our surroundings. A grey slope appeared before us thick with volcanic dust, a darker grey path slinking down marked out by hundreds of boots.
Walk down the way we came? No, no, no. "We will ski", says Joseph. It took me a while to get the technique, aided by Joseph. Doing your best to stay upright, using your walking poles for support, you take giant strides and slide down the scree. Although making the journey down shorter, it was hugely exhausting, especially after the gruelling ascent we'd already endured. But what goes up, must come down. Nearer to camp we were greeted by the porters who put up our tents everyday. They took our bags from us and helped us the rest of the way, our exhaustion evident.
After reaching camp we went straight to out tents and, fully dressed fell straight to sleep. We could only sleep for around 45 minutes as we had to descend lower to another camp that same day. After waking we had to pack up straight away and have a quick meal in the mess tent.
The next camp was several hours away and I admit I struggled on the journey, especially functioning on such little sleep. Upon reaching camp, after hours of trekking, we signed in and headed to the mess tent to greet the others. We had a fantastic meal that evening of Tanzanian stew and rice. The food on the trip was absolutely amazing the entire time, but this traditional meal was my favourite. That evening we just rested up with the others, playing card games and chatting.
That night, sleep beckoned to us and we were ready to fall into it's warm embrace.
We made our way back to Gilman's Point, the sun high in the sky, beaming down on our faces. After reaching Gilman's Point we began our steady descent down Jamaica Rocks. We thought going up Jamaica Rocks was tough, well, it was even tougher going down. Thank God for walking poles is all I'm gonna say. At the bottom of Jamaica Rocks we reached a place we hadn't actually seen before.
In the blackness of the night we'd shuffled along, meandering like a liquid snake, unable to take in our surroundings. A grey slope appeared before us thick with volcanic dust, a darker grey path slinking down marked out by hundreds of boots.
Walk down the way we came? No, no, no. "We will ski", says Joseph. It took me a while to get the technique, aided by Joseph. Doing your best to stay upright, using your walking poles for support, you take giant strides and slide down the scree. Although making the journey down shorter, it was hugely exhausting, especially after the gruelling ascent we'd already endured. But what goes up, must come down. Nearer to camp we were greeted by the porters who put up our tents everyday. They took our bags from us and helped us the rest of the way, our exhaustion evident.
After reaching camp we went straight to out tents and, fully dressed fell straight to sleep. We could only sleep for around 45 minutes as we had to descend lower to another camp that same day. After waking we had to pack up straight away and have a quick meal in the mess tent.
The next camp was several hours away and I admit I struggled on the journey, especially functioning on such little sleep. Upon reaching camp, after hours of trekking, we signed in and headed to the mess tent to greet the others. We had a fantastic meal that evening of Tanzanian stew and rice. The food on the trip was absolutely amazing the entire time, but this traditional meal was my favourite. That evening we just rested up with the others, playing card games and chatting.
That night, sleep beckoned to us and we were ready to fall into it's warm embrace.
Reaching the Top #5
Awoke just before midnight to be slapped in the face by my unrelenting pursuer, altitude. After promptly throwing up outside the tent, it was time to gear up, grub up and set out.
Pitch black. A snake of head torches moving up and up, never ending. One foot. Come on Karl! Then the other foot. Shuffling along in the dark. On our first break I gobbled down some anti-nausea pills, kindly provided by our chief guide. To be honest it could have been anything, I was just relieved to have anything to take away the compressing feeling. At that point our group started to splinter, half unhindered by altitude, half struck.
One guide stayed with us through the dark, literal and metaphorical. Joseph. Our hero. At various stages through the night I found rocks collapse onto and fall asleep, just for seconds before he woke me, but what seems like minutes, even hours. He'd unlid my water and make me drink, keeping me hydrated. He'd tell me not to worry, that I was strong, I could make it. At that time it was hard to believe. When I was at my weakest he took my bag from me and carried it himself as well as his own.
All through this night my aunt, who we climbed the mountain in memory of, was never far from my mind. I'd mouth dry lipped, "this is for you", over and over, it gave me the strength to carry on. Lifted me. After hours we arrived at Jamaica Rocks. Steep, jagged and awkward. By far the worst part of our trek.
But then, from nowhere, Gilman's Point. And behind us... Sunrise. The most beautiful sunrise I'd ever seen. At this point it's your choice to decide. Do you carry on to the top? To Uhuru peak? After all the pain there was no question in my mind.
Yes. Yes I carry on. Yes I get to the top. There is nothing, nothing in this world that would stop me now. Stumbling, in light now, to Stella point, a moments rest, move on. Passing so many shattered yet ecstatic people going the other way. "You're so close", "Come on! You can do it!". Thank you strangers, you helped more than you realised. Eventually we made it. We reached the top. We hugged the rest of our group, we hugged our guides, me and my partner hugged eachother. Tears of joy and relief dampening our cheeks. It felt amazing, such elation, such joy, there is no actual word for how I felt.
Pitch black. A snake of head torches moving up and up, never ending. One foot. Come on Karl! Then the other foot. Shuffling along in the dark. On our first break I gobbled down some anti-nausea pills, kindly provided by our chief guide. To be honest it could have been anything, I was just relieved to have anything to take away the compressing feeling. At that point our group started to splinter, half unhindered by altitude, half struck.
One guide stayed with us through the dark, literal and metaphorical. Joseph. Our hero. At various stages through the night I found rocks collapse onto and fall asleep, just for seconds before he woke me, but what seems like minutes, even hours. He'd unlid my water and make me drink, keeping me hydrated. He'd tell me not to worry, that I was strong, I could make it. At that time it was hard to believe. When I was at my weakest he took my bag from me and carried it himself as well as his own.
All through this night my aunt, who we climbed the mountain in memory of, was never far from my mind. I'd mouth dry lipped, "this is for you", over and over, it gave me the strength to carry on. Lifted me. After hours we arrived at Jamaica Rocks. Steep, jagged and awkward. By far the worst part of our trek.
But then, from nowhere, Gilman's Point. And behind us... Sunrise. The most beautiful sunrise I'd ever seen. At this point it's your choice to decide. Do you carry on to the top? To Uhuru peak? After all the pain there was no question in my mind.
Yes. Yes I carry on. Yes I get to the top. There is nothing, nothing in this world that would stop me now. Stumbling, in light now, to Stella point, a moments rest, move on. Passing so many shattered yet ecstatic people going the other way. "You're so close", "Come on! You can do it!". Thank you strangers, you helped more than you realised. Eventually we made it. We reached the top. We hugged the rest of our group, we hugged our guides, me and my partner hugged eachother. Tears of joy and relief dampening our cheeks. It felt amazing, such elation, such joy, there is no actual word for how I felt.
Reaching the Top #4
We awoke bright eyed and as close to bushy tailed as we could muster. As I poked my head out of my tent a member of our group saw how awful I felt and gave me some of his anti-altitude pills. I am eternally grateful.
The Lunar desert was long. Really, really long. I think it being called a Lunar desert is quite apt. But to me it was as though we were walking on the bottom of a great ocean void of all its life giving water.
Roughly a 3rd of the way into our day we came across the wreckage of a plane. It was hugely surreal, just metres from the track we traversed. The pilot and passengers flew too low whilst taking pictures and crashed into the mountain. A terrible tragedy.
From about three fifths of the way, after hours of picking one foot up and placing it in front of the other, we could see tents on the horizon. What was a comfort at other parts of our journey, seeing camp, became a taunt to us. From our place in that Lunar landscape those tents came no closer. Step after step, no closer. Until finally we were minutes away. I'm not ashamed to say on our final shuffle up the last slope to camp tears sprung from my eyes. The last camp. We made it. Sleep, please sleep.
After a short nap I felt brand new. I could breathe, my head was clear, I was ready! After our final briefing we prepared ourselves for one last sleep before our final ascent at midnight.
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