Tanzanian Trailblazers: Kilimanjaro Guides Take Their Expertise to Nepal's Peaks

Moshi.  Every year, hundreds of Kilimanjaro guides take climbers to the summit of the Roof of Africa. However, few have ever guided internationally before.

Abraham, Vitalis, and Joshua became the first Tanzanians in the guiding crew for Elite Exped's expedition in the Himalayas. Nims (aka Nimsdai), a famous climber, started this company after climbing all 14 of the world's tallest mountains. He did it in just six months and six days, setting a new world record. You may watch Nims' incredible journey in the documentary "14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible" on Netflix.

Nims made his first journey to Tanzania in August 2022 to evaluate Kilimanjaro's potential for his clients. Completing the climb in under 9 hours—a task that usually takes most a week or more—Nims caused surprising looks of the other climbers, who were not accustomed to encountering a star of his caliber on their path. 

Recognizing Kilimanjaro's well-developed tourist infrastructure and the government's encouraging policies during his stay, Nims saw great promise in Kilimanjaro. This led to a fruitful partnership, with Elite Exped sending its first groups to Tanzania under Nims’ banner in summer 2023.

Altezza Travel, a local outfitter for Nims team and Elite Exped, assigned Abraham, Vitalis, and Joshua to lead these groups. Having observed the way Tanzania guides work, Nims envisioned a cultural and professional exchange.  He invited the Tanzanian guides to Nepal to enrich both the Tanzanian and Nepalese guiding communities through shared learning and experience.

Responding to Nims' call, Altezza Travel geared up their guides for an international adventure in late October 2023. The whole team worked on this project getting tickets, insurance and picking the right gear and energy supplies. The trio had six fully loaded duffle bags for their trip.

For Vitalis, Abraham, and Joshua, who had never been abroad before, the prospect was formidable: a flight from Kilimanjaro to Addis Ababa, then to Mumbai, and finally to Kathmandu. From there, a helicopter would whisk them to Lukla, a place from where most of the mountain treks start. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, the Nepalese team welcomed the trio, provided a thorough briefing, and soon they were navigating the stunning landscapes of Nepal.

Going beyond the familiar trails of Kilimanjaro, the guides faced the technical rigors of Imja Tse. Needless to say, the adventure was different to their usual climbs. To climb Island Peak in Nepal, climbers needed special gear like ropes, crampons, carabiners, and helmets. These were important for the ice walls and crevasses. You rarely need these items on the gentler slopes of Kilimanjaro, except for crampons on the certain parts of the trek.

Upon arrival, the team received thorough training to learn the new tools and techniques. Their smooth transition showed how well their experience on Kilimanjaro prepared them for the Himalayan terrain. On the summit day all three were standing at the peak of Imja Tse, smiling and celebrating their new achievement. 

When reached by phone, their comrades back in Tanzania were curious: did Nepal's peaks rival the beauty of Kilimanjaro? Victor's response was diplomatic; he said that each was uniquely breathtaking and beyond comparison. He pointed out the equatorial location of Kilimanjaro contributed to its distinct flora and fauna, starkly different from what's found in the northern hemisphere. His advice was clear – don't compare, just make sure to experience both.

Then, he further added that Nepal is amazing indeed. The sheer scale of the Himalayas awed them, with its towering peaks stretching into the skies far beyond. The cultural richness of the Nepalese villages, with their vibrant prayer flags and welcoming teahouses, offered a warm embrace amidst the cold mountains. The guides were particularly struck by the harmony between the local communities and the rugged landscape, how life was adapted to the high altitudes, and the respect given to the mountains. All three saw parallels with their native Kilimanjaro. The intertwining of culture, spirituality, and nature left a lasting impression on the team, who had quickly grown to love the country for its unique character.

After summiting Imja Tse, the Tanzanian guides made time for a video call with junior Kilimanjaro guides to share their triumphs and insights.  When asked how to get noticed for roles in global expeditions, Joshua said that one should have a responsible attitude toward one's job and a commitment to continuous education about the local wildlife, trail routes, and effective camp management. He described books as a mountain guide's closest friend and suggested shadowing more experienced guides as assistants to learn about effective team coordination firsthand. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of actively seeking feedback from the company.

Echoing Joshua's sentiments, Abraham pointed out the importance of learning English, noting that the essence of guiding is effective communication with clients. Without strong language skills, a guide cannot hope to excel in international settings.

Victor highlighted the significance of staying physically fit, especially for tackling the more strenuous demands of Nepal's mountains compared to Kilimanjaro. He advised the youth to steer clear of unhealthy habits like drinking and smoking to ensure they are always in the best shape for such challenging climbs.

On a final note, Abraham expressed gratitude on behalf of the trio, thanking Altezza Travel for their financial support and assistance, which made their journey possible. He also extended appreciation to the Nepalese team for their warm hospitality and the invaluable lessons they imparted, as well as to TANAPA and KINAPA teams for fostering an environment that has allowed them to flourish as mountain guides.

The stories of Joshua, Victor, and Abraham are testaments to where hard work and perseverance can lead. Merely 15 years ago, they started as porters on Kilimanjaro, and today they stand as ambassadors of Kilimanjaro guiding prowess on the world stage. Their journey from humble beginnings to the climbs with international companies underscores the power of dedication.

The guides are due back in Tanzania on November 9, to reunions filled with joy. Their families and colleagues are awaiting their homecoming. Stay with us as we continue to follow their remarkable journey.

COMPANY : ALTEZZA TRAVEL

TIN NUMBER:124-524-008

WEBSITE:  www.altezza.travel

ADDRESS :

United Republic of Tanzania, Kilimanjaro Region

Nshara, Aishi Road, Plot 173A | P.O Box 938