MEET OUR Mountain Guide:
Hemedi Rashid Hemed

Position: Assistant Mountain Guide

Date of Birth: 3rd December 1991

Place of Birth: Moshi, Tanzania

Language Spoken: English and Swahili

Number of years in the travel industry: 12 years, one year as a porter, and 11 years as a guide

Number of years working with Easy Travel: Since July 2022

About Hemedi

I was born and raised in Moshi, the capital of the Kilimanjaro region in northeastern Tanzania. There I lived with my parents and was the eldest child of five. My three sisters are Fatma, Tunu, and Asma, and my brother – who is the youngest – is Salim. My parents ran a small shop and did some housebuilding which provided their income.

Between 2000 and 2006, I attended the Miembeni Primary School and went to the Anamkapa Secondary School until 2010. Both these schools are in the Moshi region. In 2012, I did my first Kilimanjaro walk at 19. My cousin, who was working as a mountain guide, inspired me: I used to watch him as he packed before he headed up for his Mount Kilimanjaro trips. I first climbed as a porter for seven days on the Rongai route. This wasn’t easy because I did not know much about the mountain and was not mentally prepared for the challenge.

I applied to do the National Park training in 2012 and qualified to be a mountain guide. Since then, I have worked as a mountain guide with several companies and increased my experience.

One day, I heard that Easy Travel was recruiting new mountain crew members, and I decided to apply. The interview was a success, and I became one of the company’s Assistant Mountain Guides in July 2022. So far, I can say that it is an exceptionally good company, and I have been very impressed by its experienced and well-qualified guides.

Favorite Park in Tanzania

My favorite park in Tanzania is the Kilimanjaro National Park because, for the trekkers, it can be both a physical holiday and an adventurous one at the same time. You will learn many things about the mountain and the people of Tanzania. When climbing, you are training your body to be physically fit.

Favorite Route

My favorite route is the six-day Machame route.

Favorite Food

My favorite food is rice, either with chicken stew or beef stew. This is a very popular food in Tanzania. As I grew up having this, I have loved it since I was young. It also gives me enough protein for my body.

Favorite Hobby

My favorite hobby is playing and watching football. It is not only a hobby but a good exercise for me as it improves my health in general. It also allows me to meet new and different people.

Favorite TV Show

My favorite is Mizengwe, a local comedy show that makes me laugh.

Favorite Singer/band

My favorite Singer is Fid Q, a local singer in Tanzania. He sings Hip Hop songs. I like his music because of the messages I get when I listen to his songs.

14 Questions and answers with Hemedi Hemed

1. Why is climbing Kilimanjaro the trip of a lifetime?

This trip can be the trip of a lifetime because you can enjoy the different climatic zones as you pass through them on your way to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The first is the agriculture zone, where residents cultivate crops such as bananas and coffee. The water coming down from the mountain is collected and used here for washing, drinking, cleaning, and irrigation.

The second zone is the rainforest zone, where trekkers will see many trees and diverse flower species. These include the Impatiens Kilimanjaro, a flower found only on Mount Kilimanjaro. Also, you can see mammals such as blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and birds such as the Turaco.

The third zone is the heath and moorland zone, which is more open, and here trekkers will find plants such as the Erica Arborea, Giant Senecio, and everlasting flowers.

The Alpine desert has no trees or flowers, just a few grasses that can survive at this altitude. It is also snowy sometimes in this zone. Finally, there is the summit zone, where only sand, rocks, and glaciers can be found. This zone does not support any living things.

2. Which is your favorite route that Easy Travel offers and why?

My favorite route is the six-day Machame Route. This is because of the high chances of summit success. The trail allows you to acclimate because of the ups and downs that help your body adapt to the mountain. Also, it offers different scenic views daily on the mountain, such as views of the moorland, the Alpine desert, and views down to Moshi town.

3. Why is Easy Travel the best choice for trekkers to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Easy Travel is the best choice for guests looking to climb Mount Kilimanjaro during their holidays because of its excellent service for the trekkers and crew. The company provides the trekkers with all the necessary information on the mountain. They employ only professional guides who are well-trained and who can take care of you and ensure you are safe during the entire trip. The Easy Travel porters ensure that your luggage and other camping stuff are at the camp in good time, and their cooks ensure you have sufficient food daily. Not only will you be full, but you will have tasty food. We work as a team during the trek, so if you choose our company, you will enjoy the climb and learn many things about the mountain and Tanzania. The Easy Travel services will exceed your expectations.

4. What is your favorite month of the year to climb Kilimanjaro?

My favorite month of the year for climbing in August, in the dry season. The weather conditions on Kilimanjaro in August mean there is less possibility of rain on the mountain and clear skies, which allow you to enjoy the views. Also, your clothes and equipment will stay dry at this time because there is no rainfall, so climbing Kilimanjaro in August is very comfortable. During wet conditions, it is not comfortable because everything can get wet, and you will not get the chance to view the mountain scenery or take memorable photos.

5. What is your favorite part of Mount Kilimanjaro?

My favorite part of Mount Kilimanjaro is the Barranco Wall. At this part of Kilimanjaro, you get the real mountain experience as you must scramble or hug the rocks. It would be best if you were careful. This is when you must be confident in yourself and listen to the guide who will coach you during the climb.

6. What is something people don't expect about Mount Kilimanjaro?

Some trekkers that come for a trek on Mount Kilimanjaro have also climbed other big mountains during their lives. They don’t expect how hard Kilimanjaro is at the summit point, and they end up saying this is the hardest thing they have ever done. When trekkers hike Mount Kilimanjaro, they do not expect fresh food and fresh fruits provided at mealtimes. It is a nice surprise when we cook and provide these for them!

7. What is your favorite part about the culture in Tanzania?

My favorite part about Tanzania’s culture is that we have more than 120 local tribes, each with a different local language, lifestyle, and traditions. But we all live in harmony because of the Swahili language, which unites us and makes it easy for us to communicate. Everyone in Tanzania speaks Swahili.

8. What are three phrases guests should learn in Swahili, and what do they mean?

The phrases guest should learn.

Pole Pole, which means ‘slowly slowly.’

Asante – which means ‘thank you.’

Karibu – which means ‘you are welcome.’

9. What would our guests be surprised to learn about you?

They will be surprised to learn how I can provide guiding services beyond their expectations. Also, they like that I always connect with them and teach them about our culture and how we live. I enjoy singing and dancing while on the mountain and storytelling. I also come from Moshi town, so I know about the culture of the local people in that region, the famous tribes such as the ‘Chaga’ and ‘Pare.’

10. What advice would you give others on preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

It would help if you had all the necessary equipment on the mountain. Also, the hikers should listen to their guides from the start of the trek because they have more experience and know the mountain better. They will know what to advise in any situation on the mountain.

I also advise trekkers that they should leave behind any luggage which is not required on the mountain. They should take only what is necessary for the trek so that it will be easy to carry their luggage and their backpack will have less weight. This will help them not to overwork themselves during the climb.

11. How many times have you climbed Mount Kilimanjaro as a guide?

As a guide, I have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro more than 150 times since 2012 to the present day. My first experience as a guide was not very hard as I was already working as a summit porter before becoming a guide. Being a guide means taking care of trekkers by giving them enough information about the mountain and ensuring they are always safe. Every trek is a unique experience, no matter how many times we go up the mountain. There are new challenges, new experiences, new memories, and being with different trekkers each time.

12. What are the challenges of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?

The challenges of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro are bouts of sickness such as an upset stomach, headaches, vomiting, a loss of appetite, nausea, lack of sleep, or exhaustion. You must overcome these by checking your condition’s seriousness so the guide fully understands and can help. You must drink enough water, eat well, and have enough time to rest when arriving at the camp.

The summit day on Mount Kilimanjaro can be challenging with freezing toes, cold weather, and exhaustion. You might be feeling sleepy and experiencing altitude sickness. You can experience sunburn because the direct sun affects your skin if you don’t have the right protection.

13. What advice would you give to hikers on how to prevent altitude sickness?

The hikers should ascend slowly while on the trip to allow their bodies to acclimatize to the high elevation. This will allow your body to adapt to the environment. Also, climbing high and sleeping low is recommended where possible. It is an effective way to prevent altitude sickness. Drinking enough water – at least 3 to 4 liters daily, even if you do not feel thirsty – is essential.

Trekkers must be positive and motivated during the trek and not stress themselves by thinking too much about the summit day because, climbing Kilimanjaro, we must go one step at a time.

14. What challenges have you faced as a mountain guide when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?

I have encountered challenges when there are beginner trekkers who have never climbed before. Sometimes they are very scared. They do not believe they can make it to the top, showing a negative mindset and having no confidence. So as a guide with the crew, we must assist, motivate, and reassure them so that they can achieve their dream by summiting.

Even though we have climbed many times, if we ascend too quickly, we can suffer from altitude sickness, with a headache or stomach upsets. Because of this, trekkers and crew members should ascend slowly up the mountain.

You can also be on the mountain and come across heavy rainfall. Although you have rain gear, your gear and equipment will still get wet. When your shoes or hiking boots get wet, you will feel uncomfortable and cold, especially on the summit day.