I was born in the Dutwa Ward of Bariadi district, in the Shinyanga region of Tanzania. My family was not wealthy, and I was the sixth of eight children. Together, the ten of us lived in Dutwa, and the family got its income through agriculture. Specifically, this was through cotton and maize plantations. I attended the local Isuyu Primary School from 1986 to 1992. And at the weekends, I used to help my family with farming once I was 16 years old.
I then moved to the Serengeti district for my secondary education, attending the Serengeti Secondary School from 1993 until 1996. At this time, I lived alone in a rented room. I completed my studies until the fourth form but did not pass my examination, so I could not continue. I then returned to Shinyanga, where I stayed for around seven years, helping my family with farming.
After that, I married, became independent, and lived with my family. I have five children, three sons, and two daughters. We live in Arusha City, so I moved to find a better career.
I did various jobs until I saw some of my fellows climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. This made me apply for a job at Easy Travel as a porter. I was 32 years old when in 2010, I climbed for the first time via the Lemosho route. I continued to trek the mountain for six years as a porter, with the last three years as a summit porter.
Then in 2016, I attended Mweka College to do their course to become a Mountain Guide. I got my Mountain Guide license and became an Assistant Mountain Guide, and Easy Travel successfully promoted me. Easy Travel is a good company that ensures that all its guides are committed and capable of giving a good service to the trekkers.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is unique; for example, there is the flower known as the Impatiens Kilimanjaro, which grows only on this mountain at an altitude of 2500m. You can find it on the Machame and Mweka routes, which grow yearly. Other interesting things to trekkers include mosses, such as ‘old man’s beard,’ which can be seen hanging on the trees, especially in the forest zone on the Machame and Lemosho routes.
My favorite month of the year for climbing Kilimanjaro is July, which is in the dry season. Between July and October is a good time to trek on the mountain. These months have only a low possibility of serious rain or wind. There is also less dust.
My favorite part about the Tanzanian culture is that of the Maasai tribe, one of the most famous tribes in Tanzania. The Maasai live in the villages of Longido and Ngorongoro alongside the wild animals. They educate their youngsters well before the young men start a family. They teach how to be a good father, preparing for when they become the elders in the family. I think this is one of the tribes with a very rich culture.
The common words I recommend all guests learn are:
‘Jambo’ or ‘Mambo,’ which means ‘hello’ and ‘what’s up?’
‘Habari,’ which means ‘how are you?’
‘Poa,’ which means ‘cool.’
One of the main challenges is the weather, especially the wind. The wind can cause great disturbance during the climb or camp. The second challenge is rainfall which can occur at any time and cause considerable difficulties during the climb. This is why we must have the right equipment and gear to protect against the rain. The cold is also another challenge. The cold can be challenging at any time of day or night, so packing the right equipment is important.
Another challenge is the steep and slippery slopes or trails that can make trekkers and crew struggle on the climb. You can get hurt, so we recommend walking slowly and steadily, which will help prevent you from getting hurt. Rushing or walking too fast can cause you harm.
I advise all hikers to think positively, which is the most important element for a successful climb. Believe that anything is possible, no matter the challenge faced. The best thing is to think,’yes, I can do it.’
Before climbing, you can take Diamox pills which are altitude pills that will help you during the trek on the mountain. On the way to the camp, ensure you have three liters of drinking water and eat well during your lunch break to boost your energy.
When arriving at the camp and after eating and resting, you can exercise by going up a further 200m or so in altitude and then return to the camp. This will help you to adapt and adjust to the altitude changes you will experience the next day. This will help prevent mountain sickness.
You should wear warm clothes at the camp to prevent the cold from penetrating your body. When sleeping in your tent, ensure all tent zips are sealed shut. On the summit day, make sure you wear all the gear as per the advice given by your guide.
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