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Beyond the Summit, Beyond Expectations
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Beyond the Summit, Beyond Expectations
Every step on Kilimanjaro tells part of a story. Our guides have helped shape thousands of them; each one different, each one earned. They know the mountain well, and they know how to keep you steady when it counts.
With years of experience and a deep connection to this place, our team is here to guide you with care, clarity, and quiet strength. Your story is uniquely yours. We’re just here to help you climb it.
With over 20 years exploring Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, Frank is no stranger to the peaks of Tanzania. His journey began as a porter for eight years, and he has proudly been a certified mountain guide for the past 12 years, summiting Kilimanjaro an incredible 150+ times. If anyone knows the mountain inside out, it’s Frank.
Frank’s love for the mountains started young—growing up in the highlands, he and his friends would hike for fun on weekends. When he finished school, a friend (who was already a guide) encouraged him to try portering. The first few treks were tough, but he fell in love with the experience.
Determined to become a guide, Frank:
✔ Studied Tour Guiding and Leadership in 2009
✔ Completed Government Training & Certification in 2012
✔ Earned his Wilderness First Responder certification
Now, with more than a decade of guiding experience, he’s one of the most knowledgeable and safety-conscious guides on Kilimanjaro.
For Frank, every part of Kilimanjaro is special, but what he loves most is singing and dancing with the crew and clients.
His favorite song? The classic “Kilimanjaro Song” that echoes across the mountain.
Frank is a master motivator, using humor, wisdom, and encouragement to keep trekkers going.
Mind Over Matter: “I’ve seen very fit people fail because they weren’t mentally prepared. The key to success? A strong mind.“
The Elephant Analogy: “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. That’s how you climb Kilimanjaro—one step at a time.”
Stay Calm: “Summit night can be intimidating, but remember: You are not alone. We will get through this together.”
The biggest moment of fear and doubt comes at base camp, right before the summit push. Frank sees it all the time—clients get nervous, feel altitude effects, or worry they won’t make it.
His approach?
✅ Reassurance – “Think of the whole trek as practice. The summit push is just the final test—but you’ve already trained for it.”
✅ Teamwork – “We do this together. You’re never alone.”
✅ Perspective – “This is your dream. You’re almost there. Take it one step at a time.”
Frank’s top tips for new climbers:
Ayubu has been leading treks on Kilimanjaro for over eight years, but his journey started from the ground up—literally. From porter to waiter to assistant guide, he soaked up every bit of knowledge before officially becoming a full-time guide. His deep understanding of the climb, the mountain, and client needs makes him an incredible leader on the trail.
Ayubu is known for keeping climbers inspired when things get tough. He has a collection of motivational quotes and a proven set of “Golden Rules” to get clients to the summit:
✅ Walk slowly – “Pole, pole is the secret.”
✅ Stay hydrated – 3-5 liters per day is key to acclimatization.
✅ Eat well – Fueling your body helps fight fatigue.
✅ Positive mindset – “Every step is progress. Keep going, and you’ll get there.”
Recommended Routes: Lemosho or Rongai (Rongai is easier for beginners).
Altitude Tips: “Altitude sickness is the biggest challenge, but with the right pace, hydration, and mindset, anyone can make it.”
Medication: “Ask your doctor about Diamox – it’s a game changer for acclimatization.”
No Technical Climbing Required – “Kilimanjaro is a climbable mountain; just believe in yourself, and we’ll take care of the rest!”
One of Ayubu’s most intense memories? A 12-hour summit hike with a group of Indian climbers. After reaching the top, one climber suffered from severe altitude sickness and hypoxia.
Ayubu and his team carried him down on their backs through the night, performing emergency checks along the way. Their quick actions saved his life. The climber later told them, “I owe you everything.”
When he’s not guiding treks, Ayubu spends time with his kids and recovers with a full day of sleep (well-earned, we’d say!).
He also enjoys sharing stories and experiences from his adventures with his family.
Ayubu has been leading treks on Kilimanjaro for over eight years, but his journey started from the ground up—literally. From porter to waiter to assistant guide, he soaked up every bit of knowledge before officially becoming a full-time guide. His deep understanding of the climb, the mountain, and client needs makes him an incredible leader on the trail.
Ayubu is known for keeping climbers inspired when things get tough. He has a collection of motivational quotes and a proven set of “Golden Rules” to get clients to the summit:
✅ Walk slowly – “Pole, pole is the secret.”
✅ Stay hydrated – 3-5 liters per day is key to acclimatization.
✅ Eat well – Fueling your body helps fight fatigue.
✅ Positive mindset – “Every step is progress. Keep going, and you’ll get there.”
Recommended Routes: Lemosho or Rongai (Rongai is easier for beginners).
Altitude Tips: “Altitude sickness is the biggest challenge, but with the right pace, hydration, and mindset, anyone can make it.”
Medication: “Ask your doctor about Diamox – it’s a game changer for acclimatization.”
No Technical Climbing Required – “Kilimanjaro is a climbable mountain; just believe in yourself, and we’ll take care of the rest!”
One of Ayubu’s most intense memories? A 12-hour summit hike with a group of Indian climbers. After reaching the top, one climber suffered from severe altitude sickness and hypoxia.
Ayubu and his team carried him down on their backs through the night, performing emergency checks along the way. Their quick actions saved his life. The climber later told them, “I owe you everything.”
When he’s not guiding treks, Ayubu spends time with his kids and recovers with a full day of sleep (well-earned, we’d say!).
He also enjoys sharing stories and experiences from his adventures with his family.
When it comes to Kilimanjaro, Naftali Maeda has seen it all. With 25 years of experience—starting as a porter for five years before becoming a certified guide—he knows every route, every challenge, and every triumph the mountain holds. His deep knowledge and passion for guiding make him one of the most trusted leaders on the mountain.
For Naftali, the final summit push is what keeps him going.
Pacing is Everything – “If your mind is strong, your body will follow.”
The biggest fear for most climbers? The altitude. But Naftali reassures them:
✅ “You’ll never walk alone.”
✅ “If anything feels off, let us know—we know this place better than anyone.”
✅ “Communication is key. We’re here to make sure you succeed safely.”
Naftali has a unique approach to encouragement on summit night.
Naftali’s top tips for new climbers:
One of Naftali’s funniest memories? A group of four men wanted to take a summit photo… completely naked. He let them do it (after checking the weather, of course), and it became one of his most unforgettable climbs.
After a long trek, family comes first. Naftali’s post-expedition routine is simple:
Naimane has been working on Mount Kilimanjaro for eight years, starting as a porter for three years before earning his certification as a mountain guide.
But his journey wasn’t a straight climb—along the way, he also served as a waiter on Kilimanjaro treks, ensuring clients had warm meals, clean dining spaces, and a little extra comfort during their adventure.
His well-rounded experience means he understands every aspect of the climb, from the hard work behind the scenes to leading trekkers to the summit.
For Naimane, Kilimanjaro is more than just a mountain—it’s his office, his passion, and his way of life. He especially enjoys:
Naimane believes the biggest challenge for climbers isn’t the altitude—it’s their mindset.
He follows GO2KILI’s Golden Rules to help clients succeed:
✅ Walk slowly (pole, pole) – No rush, just progress.
✅ Drink plenty of water – Hydration is key to preventing altitude sickness.
✅ Eat well – Nutritious food helps the body stay strong.
✅ Stay warm – Kilimanjaro’s cold can be tough, but the right gear makes all the difference.
✅ Keep a positive attitude – “Don’t stress about tomorrow—enjoy every moment of the climb.”
Naimane’s top tips for new climbers:
One of Naimane’s most unforgettable treks was guiding an elderly woman from the U.S. on an emotional journey to honor her late husband.
She was nervous about the altitude and worried about the cold, but she trusted Naimane to guide her safely. They started their summit push at 3 AM, taking it slow, checking her oxygen levels along the way. After an exhausting but determined 14-hour climb, she made it to the top at 5 PM.
For Naimane, this trek was a reminder that every climb is personal—and it’s not just about reaching the summit, but the journey and the meaning behind it.
Ugali! This Tanzanian staple—made from corn flour and served with meat, vegetables, or sauce—is the fuel of Kilimanjaro.
Nearly every tribe in Tanzania enjoys it, and for Naimane, it’s the ultimate comfort food after a long trek.
When Naimane returns from a trek, the first thing he does is hug his wife and family. His daughter is always eager to hear stories about the climb, and he loves sharing photos and experiences with her.
After catching up with his loved ones, a shower, a warm meal, and a full day of rest are his top priorities.
Naimane has been working on Mount Kilimanjaro for eight years, starting as a porter for three years before earning his certification as a mountain guide.
But his journey wasn’t a straight climb—along the way, he also served as a waiter on Kilimanjaro treks, ensuring clients had warm meals, clean dining spaces, and a little extra comfort during their adventure.
His well-rounded experience means he understands every aspect of the climb, from the hard work behind the scenes to leading trekkers to the summit.
For Naimane, Kilimanjaro is more than just a mountain—it’s his office, his passion, and his way of life. He especially enjoys:
Naimane believes the biggest challenge for climbers isn’t the altitude—it’s their mindset.
He follows GO2KILI’s Golden Rules to help clients succeed:
✅ Walk slowly (pole, pole) – No rush, just progress.
✅ Drink plenty of water – Hydration is key to preventing altitude sickness.
✅ Eat well – Nutritious food helps the body stay strong.
✅ Stay warm – Kilimanjaro’s cold can be tough, but the right gear makes all the difference.
✅ Keep a positive attitude – “Don’t stress about tomorrow—enjoy every moment of the climb.”
Naimane’s top tips for new climbers:
One of Naimane’s most unforgettable treks was guiding an elderly woman from the U.S. on an emotional journey to honor her late husband.
She was nervous about the altitude and worried about the cold, but she trusted Naimane to guide her safely. They started their summit push at 3 AM, taking it slow, checking her oxygen levels along the way. After an exhausting but determined 14-hour climb, she made it to the top at 5 PM.
For Naimane, this trek was a reminder that every climb is personal—and it’s not just about reaching the summit, but the journey and the meaning behind it.
Ugali! This Tanzanian staple—made from corn flour and served with meat, vegetables, or sauce—is the fuel of Kilimanjaro.
Nearly every tribe in Tanzania enjoys it, and for Naimane, it’s the ultimate comfort food after a long trek.
When Naimane returns from a trek, the first thing he does is hug his wife and family. His daughter is always eager to hear stories about the climb, and he loves sharing photos and experiences with her.
After catching up with his loved ones, a shower, a warm meal, and a full day of rest are his top priorities.
Nicks began his Kilimanjaro journey over a decade ago. He started as a porter, worked his way up to chef, and became a certified mountain guide five years ago. Today, he’s a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and serves as a lead guide for GO2KILI, trusted by climbers from around the world.
Guiding is about connection, for Nick. He loves meeting people from every corner of the globe—hearing about their home countries, cultures, and languages. But nothing compares to watching someone reach the summit.
“The joy and accomplishment they feel—I feel it too.”
Nickson meets each client where they are. He talks with them, encourages, and listens.
“We can slow down, stop and rest, sing a song, or just breathe together; whatever it takes to keep going, safely.”
His goal is simple: help them reach the summit, one step at a time, with care and confidence.
Nickson recalls two summit days that stick with him:
Helping a 7-year-old boy from India and a 76-year-old man from the U.S. both reach the top of Africa.
“Seeing both ends of the age range achieve this—it’s powerful. It shows what’s possible with the right mindset and hard work.”
Positive mindset: Be ready for anything—weather changes fast.
Hot water bottles: Fill your Nalgene with boiling water and tuck it in your sleeping bag for warmth. Wrap damp clothes around it to help them dry.
Comfy shoes: Bring slip-ons for camp.
Pack light: Your porter carries your gear—be thoughtful with weight.
Favorite food?
On the mountain: “All the soups!”
Off the mountain: Ugali and fish—a Tanzanian classic.
Life off the mountain
When he’s not guiding, Nickson stays close to nature. He studies at a safari guide school, reads often, and explores Arusha’s many parks whenever he can.
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