As the sky kisses the earth in the heart of Tanzania, there lies the towering, majestic peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. The rugged terrain has been a beacon of challenge and triumph for adventure enthusiasts from all over the world. But amid this rugged landscape lies a hidden gem, a Tanzanian legend whose footsteps have graced these hallowed slopes over 300 times.

It was in the early 2000s when this Tanzanian native began his journey in the heart of Kilimanjaro. Navigating Tanzania’s strict hiking regulations, he seized the opportunity to ascend Kilimanjaro by shouldering the weight of others. While bearing the heavy loads of about 35 kilograms and enduring the grueling hikes, he discovered his endless passion for the unforgiving slopes. He slowly transitioned to being a guide and then he founded his company in 2008, ‘Climbing Kilimanjaro’.

Justin Stephen Mtui’s journey from dusty trails of Tanzania to snowcapped peaks of Kilimanjaro 

From childhood days, Justin Stephen Mtui has dreamt of conquering the majestic Kilimanjaro. In the early 2000s, he successfully climbed Kilimanjaro for the first time as a porter. Back then in Tanzania employment opportunities were limited, and for the same reason being a porter helped him to earn in one hand, and on the other, it quenched his thirst for adventure. 

Climbing the Kilimanjaro is a seven-day expedition. Three and a half days to reach the zenith and the rest three and a half to descend the peak. Besides coming across unbelievable flora and fauna, staying close to nature also comes with challenges like altitude sickness, setting up proper camps, unexpected setbacks, and the question of safety. But going against all of these, Mtui has managed to ascend the peak not once or twice but 300 times. 

While he started his journey as a porter, it turned out to be very challenging to climb the peak with 35 kgs on his shoulders. Several of his colleagues were forced to discontinue the job as it was near to impossible to ascend the peak with the heavy luggage. But Mtui decided to continue despite all the pain and hardships as it paid him, and he wanted to earn more.

Mtui with all his strength continued his journey and reached the summit. And he shared that it was one of the most cherished moments of his life. He later told other porters, “If you haven’t gone to Kilimanjaro summit, you can’t say you’re hiking Kilimanjaro.”

Back then porters were not paid well although their task was so tough. The pay of the porters was controlled by the guides. Mtui wanted to transform the industry. He soon became a guide after sitting for an exam and started his company, ‘Climbing Kilimanjaro’ in 2008. Since 2008, ‘Climbing Kilimanjaro’ has been successfully planning hiking trips for adventure enthusiasts from all across the globe. 

While many tourists do their part of the research before they embark on the hike, several others come unprepared for the expedition. Once a woman was not wearing the necessary gear unaware of the rugged terrain of Kilimanjaro. Despite being informed she did not take the warnings seriously and had to back off after 2 days. The one thing that Mtui continues to hear from his tourists is, “This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my entire life.” Hikers have to spend seven long days without showering and with limited internet and network connectivity.

Justin Stephen Mtui’s adventure-filled odyssey on Mt. Kilimanjaro

He has been running his crew with utmost care and caters to the betterment and interests of all. From checking that the crew is well-equipped with necessary requirements to checking that the campsites are operational, it’s Mtui’s responsibility now to care for the welfare of all.

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But after all these struggles and after overcoming all the hurdles, the most rewarding feeling is to reach the summit of the majestic peak. Mtui admitted, “But when people reach the top, they feel like they’ve conquered the world. Time stops for them. The oldest hiker I’ve helped summit was a 75-year-old man. He found it difficult but was so happy when he reached the top.”

The tale of Mtui’s life reads like an epic saga of determination, passion, courage, and triumph. From his humble beginnings as a porter to navigating treacherous paths with burdensome loads, Mtui’s journey of becoming a revered guide is a testament to the human spirit’s boundless potential. 

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