- Guides & Porters -
( Porters moving towards Kossovo Camp )
On Kilimanjaro your Porter will quite possibly become your best friend. From the moment that one begins the journey to the Roof of Africa, the importance of the native porters is apparent. Aside from carting the majority of climbers' supplies up the mountain, porters also prepare wholesome meals and set up and break down tented camps.
( Porters moving across the Shira Plateau )
All workers on the mountain begin as porters. After three years of being a porter, an individual may go on to become an assistant guide and eventually a head guide, by which time they will have sufficient training to individually lead climbers safely up and down the mountain should circumstances require it.
Our Guides - from the Big Expeditions Tour Company
front row, Angel,
Romly, John
back row Julius, Daniel, Simon, David, Eric, Nicholas,
Frank
The majority of guides and porters on the mountain descend from the local Chagga population and reside either Moshi or Arusha. Unlike climbers who are unaccustomed to both Altitude and conditions on the mountain, porters and guides are well adjusted to the environment on Kilimanjaro. Due to their regular ascents and excellent levels of Fitness, they seldom if ever succumb to the effects of altitude.
( Porters set up each camp before the Team arrives )
Porters not only transport your gear and the supplies up and down the mountain. Arriving at every camp site long before you, they will have already set up your tent. In the evening they will also boil drinking and washing water and the cook will prepare dinner. Porters are required to be at least 18 years old and carry a maximum of 20kg including their own gear.
Qualifying as a Kilimanjaro Guide brings with it great prestige and respect within the local community. Guides are trained in first aid, health and safety issues, including the symptoms of altitude sickness and management of emergencies. Another requirement is a knowledge of local flora and fauna and history of the mountain. On average guides and porters will do three (5-6 day) summit expeditions per month.
That equates to between
15-18 days per month on the mountain!
( A Porter moves towards Stella Point and the Crater Camp )
On an expedition, the Head Guide is responsible for so many things. They need to manage the staff, to set the pace, decide when to rest, and when not to rest. They need to watch the food supply and make sure the equipment functions properly, but above all, they need to keep everyone SAFE.
( The 2008 Xpedition Team; Climbers, Guides, Porters and Cooks - 96 total )
Pole, Pole! Is a Swahili phrase meaning slowly, slowly... Climbers on Kilimanjaro hear this phrase several times a day. About 20,000 climbers attempt to reach the Roof of Africa each year. Only 70 % of them succeed. Kilimanjaro is a dangerous place, people can easily get altitude sickness and be exposed to rock falls, but if you listen to your Guides, all is well.
The real Heroes of Kilimanjaro are the guides and porters !!!
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.....( A Porters moving through the rainforest ) ......( A Porter carries water towards Kossovo Camp )
( Porters advance towards Lava Tower )
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