Guides
Highly Qualified, Certified, and Friendly Guides that are Committed to Your Success.
The coveted title of ‘mountain guide’ is not earned easily at Kopa Tours. Each of our guides began their journey as a porter - carrying necessary supplies up the mountain to ensure the success of climbers. On each trip, porters become more knowledgeable (and strong!) as they learn from the seasoned guides they travel with.
Every guide at Kopa Tours has undergone schooling which is offered through the Mount Kilimanjaro Porters Society. The guides of Kopa Tours are fluent in English and many other languages as well. Our guides support our community - they lead our climbers safely, teach the other staff members about the mountain, and ensure the safety of all involved on the climb.
Assistant Guides
Intelligent and Professional Assistant Guides that diligently look after you along your way.
Before they become head guides, all of our guides take the role of assistant guide on treks up the mountain. Our head guides are in charge of the safety of all Kopa climbers and Kopa Tours team members while also mentoring assistant guides.
When head guides are busy taking care of the team, assistant guides will take the lead on the trail. Assistant guides will also perform daily health checks and respond in the case of an emergency.
SAFETY COMES FIRST
WHEN YOU CLIMB WITH KOPA TOURS
Safety is our number one priority. Our Guides are the best on the mountain. Each Guide is certified and has 100+ Kilimanjaro climbs. Our crew is prepared in every way, and are here to ensure that your climb is safe on Kilimanjaro.
Our guides are trained in how to detect, monitor and handle acute mountain sickness (AMS). Guides are formally trained in first aid, and carry all necessary medical equipment such as:
We react promptly and safely on any sign that you've become afflicted with acute mountain sickness.
It takes a lot of effort to climb to the Roof of Africa. To do so safely and successfully, we provide you a crew of 7 on the mountain (Lead Mountain Guide, Assistant Mountain Guide, Waiter, Cook, and Porters). Having a large and supportive staff helps ensure your safety on the mountain.
From meal prep, to medical safety, to carrying your bag, all the way to clearing the path ahead of you and assisting on any steeper portion of the hike - we are here to make sure that each step you take is pleasant and safe. Asante Sana!
Our Guide Qualifications
- Fully Licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park Service
- Each Guide and Assistant Guide have 100+ climbs under their belt, and multiple years of experience.
- Professionally trained to execute emergency rescue at any time and any location on the mountain.
- Able to lead and instruct Kilimanjaro Search & Rescue via helicopter.
- Promptly handle all emergencies using first aid protocol.
- Full fluency in English, Spanish, French, German, Russian, and many other languages.
Porters
Dedicated and Ambitious - Our Porters Work Humbly and Tirelessly to Fulfill Your Needs.
Without porters, Kilimanjaro treks would not be successful. These diligent hard workers carry the majority of supplies up the mountain, collect and boil water along the route, and cheer for you all along the way. Porters rise early to break down camp, hike at a swift pace, and set up at the next camp - all while you & other trekkers are slowly making your way up the mountain. These men and women ensure the comfort and ease of a Kilimanjaro trek for our hikers.
Your porters live for the climb - the most high-spirited of the crew, they are a steady source of joy on the mountain. You will be impressed by their strength and agile ability to climb up the mountain. Further by their capability to carry pack loads on their heads! On your last day on the mountain, your porters celebrate your journey with a rendition of ‘Jambo Bwana’. This catchy tune will have you singing it your whole flight home. Your journey to the summit of Uhuru Peak may be over (thanks to your supportive team), but you will remember the good times and new founded friendships forever.
Our porters make treks to the summit possible, without them - hardly anyone would make it to the Roof of Africa. Kopa Tours encourages you to tip these amazing people - you can find our guideline for tipping on this page. Curious for more info? Read about how we support our porters. Lastly, you can read about how the Mount Kilimanjaro Porters Society (MKPS) organization aims to improve porters’ lives both on and off the mountain.
Why You Need to Go Guided
Tanzanian Law requires everyone to climb Kilimanjaro with a guide. There are a lot of reasons why you need a guide on the mountain - they ensure your safety and set an appropriate pace while hiking the mountain. They carry safety equipment to check your oxygen level daily and monitor your emotional and physical well being while on the mountain. Guides carry emergency tanks of oxygen and other emergency equipment to be used as necessary along the trail.
Your mountain staff carry all necessary equipment - devices to check your daily oxygen level, emergency tanks of oxygen, your daily meals, extra needed snacks, as well as emergency equipment if needed along the trail.
Your team sets you up for success on the mountain - they know how difficult it is to reach the summit and support your comfort along the way. Each day, your team sets up and tears down your camp area and they also provide all water and food for your trip. They monitor your health to ensure that you are safe on the mountain.
Hot breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks and dinners are prepared and served for you each day on the mountain.
Leave the logistics of the mountain to us, Kopa Tours team will take care of all your needs for your climb. Focus for you is on maintaining a positive mindset and enjoying the beauty of Tanzania & Mount Kilimanjaro.
Ready for your Kilimanjaro Adventure?
