Learning the Ropes: Becoming a Kilimanjaro Mountain Guide in Tanzania
Annaliese Smith trained with students from Tanzania's College of African Wildlife Management to become Kilimanjaro mountain guides. The course involves a three-week program where students learn mountain history, routes, ecology, and first aid. They start as porters (carrying 25kg of luggage 5,895m above sea level), then progress to become guides. The training includes a practical climb on the Rongai Route, with students aiming to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest free-standing peak. Many students, like Mercedes and Dennis, began as porters to pursue careers in tourism. The course has a 90-95% pass rate, but some fail due to altitude sickness. Tuition costs £218, and students often sacrifice portering wages to fund their training. Graduates like Solomon aspire to travel to California, while others focus on wildlife conservation or starting their own tour businesses.