Emanuel Geofrey Mbuya

For many, a Kilimanjaro trip will be full of surprises due to the views and incredible scenery on the mountain. Kilimanjaro is the highest, climbable, free-standing mountain in the world. It does not need technical skills to climb, but it is hard and challenging, especially on the last day. The view from the top is incredible, with the spectacular sunrise, the glacier, and the snow extending across the mountain’s high areas. I am sure that every trekker will never forget this experience!

My favorite route is the Lemosho Route because the mountain’s western part has beautiful scenery. Also, the route gives you a real challenge from the beginning, preparing the body for the big hike on the last day. The challenge continues on Day 2, and this route also helps with acclimatization compared with other routes, which are gentle and do not give sufficient time for acclimatization.

The experience provided by Easy Travel is exceptional and gives a high level of service which most of the other companies do not provide. They supply high-quality tents and take good care of the mountain crew and trekkers. I recommend Easy Travel and Tours if they want to come trekking or enjoy a safari, as they are the best company in Arusha, Tanzania.

My favorite month of the year for climbing is August because this is a ‘dry season’ month – and it is warm. In the daytime, there is plenty of sunlight and less possibility of rainfall. During the night, the sky is clear and starry. This is why I recommend trekkers climb Mount Kilimanjaro in August.

My favorite section of Mount Kilimanjaro is the Barranco Wall because of the amazing scenery and the exceptional view of the peak, especially from the top of the Barranco Wall. It is a challenge to climb the wall. Most of the trekkers arrive at Barranco Wall and get scared because it seems impossible to climb the wall. In the beginning, it feels like that, but in the end, they manage to get to the top. At the end of each climb via the Lemosho route, I ask the trekkers, ‘Which was your favorite part?’ – and they always answer, ‘The Barranco Wall.’

Most trekkers do not expect the toughness of the challenge, especially on the last day (summit day), because this is the steepest and coldest time. Also, the altitude creates many challenges for the trekkers due to the lack of oxygen at 5000m elevation and above. People think the climb will be easy in warm conditions because it is south of the Equator. But as they climb, especially towards the summit, they realize it is perhaps the hardest thing they have ever experienced – and maybe the coldest.

The Maasai tribe is one of the most famous tribes in Tanzania. They have a unique, traditional, and very different way of life. The Maasai live in the northwest part of Tanzania. The Maasai are one of the tribes that migrate from region to region, always looking for fresh green pasture for their cattle. They are famous worldwide for their dance and ‘jump,’ performed by young unmarried males called ‘morans.’ They say the Maasai originally came from the northern part of Africa, then headed down to the central part of Africa, crossing Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, and finally ended up in Tanzania. They then settled around the Ngorongoro Crater, looking for green pastures.

‘Jambo,’ means ‘hello.’
‘Hakuna Matata’ means ‘no problem.’
‘Lala Salama’ means ‘sleep well.’

I hope the trekkers will be (pleasantly) surprised by the passion, knowledge, and service I provide during the trek. As I have 15 years of experience as a guide, I will always ensure that they will be in safe hands and hike safely. I try to be humorous, and I always like to be happy. A trek with me will – I hope – be enjoyable.

First, you need to train very well physically and mentally. Although not ‘technical,’ Kilimanjaro is still not the easiest mountain to climb. Trekkers must be physically and mentally ready for this challenge. Most trekkers will have prepared by running, cycling, or hiking hills to make their bodies ready for their Mount Kilimanjaro trek. Training in the gym is also recommended. Also, trekkers need to train for their descent. I have been working with trekkers for a long time, so coming down can be challenging. Trekkers must prepare for the cold, altitude, and lack of oxygen. This is most challenging on the last day. Trekkers must train for the effects of a lack of oxygen by hiking high and then sleeping low or using the oxygen chamber to maintain their oxygen levels.

I have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro 296 times as a mountain guide since 2007. I have climbed with all ages of climbers, the oldest being 86 years old and the youngest only seven years old. All managed to reach the summit with my guidance! I have also accompanied blind and disabled trekkers on the Marangu Route – and they managed to reach the top!

The altitude is one of the main challenges, as the lack of oxygen causes problems such as getting tired, becoming sick or sleep deprivation. When trekkers reach high altitudes, especially above 3000m, they start experiencing symptoms such as tiredness, headaches, breathlessness, nausea, stomach problems, or a lack of appetite. Many of these side effects are caused by a lack of oxygen. These things all make Kilimanjaro a big challenge!

Adopt a positive mindset. Please focus on that you are going to Kilimanjaro and will make it! Sometimes you can advise trekkers to use Diamox as a prevention. But trekkers should also drink more than 3 to 4 liters of water and other liquids such as juice and soup, which will help them. (Diamox can hide signs of altitude sickness.) I recommend that trekkers eat well and sleep well during the hike.

Problems can occur when trekkers choose to ignore the advice given to them by their crew, even though the crew members are hugely experienced.

On one occasion, a trekker repeatedly ignored my advice despite being unwell. In fact, halfway up the mountain, we had to get him to sign a disclaimer, as he was so obstinate and insisted on continuing.

One morning, when I went to wake him up, he did not respond – in fact, he was unconscious, and we had to carry him down the mountain. Fortunately, after reaching base camp and then Moshi, he recovered fully. But his stubbornness could have been fatal.