Pole, pole – a tribute to the guides of Kilimanjaro

“Pole, pole” – slowly, slowly, they tell us, all the while moving up and down the mountain as if gravity holds no sway over them.

“Pole, pole.”

We move slowly – because we can do it no other way.

Every climber on Kilimanjaro is supported by a local team. And it is these people we celebrate here.

The guide who leads the way and ensures our well-being.

The porters who carry tents, food, tables, and chairs to the next camp.

The cook who prepares meals for us, giving us the energy to take the next heavy steps.

Without them, none of us would reach the summit.

A day on the mountain

If you’ve dreamed of climbing Kilimanjaro, you’ve probably pictured the challenges you’ll face: the thin air, the endless climbs, and the struggle to put one foot in front of the other. But perhaps you haven’t considered those who make this dream possible – the true heroes of the mountain: the guides and porters.

As we plod up Machame, Lemosho, or one of the other routes on Kilimanjaro, step by step, they’re already far ahead – bearing heavy loads, while ensuring our safety, food, and morale.

For us, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A challenge we’ve perhaps trained for over months.

For them, it is just another day at work. They tackle Kilimanjaro’s relentless steps over and over, week after week. They work under tough conditions, in blazing sunshine and snow, yet they do so with an energy and dedication that’s hard to comprehend. Some of them might have reached the summit – Uhuru Peak – hundreds of times, while we struggle to do it even once – and even then, it’s no certainty.

Pole, pole

We move slowly, as instructed: “Pole, pole” – slowly, slowly. Yet even at this snail’s pace, we can find ourselves breathless. Some of us battle altitude sickness. Some of us lose our appetite, and a good night’s sleep seems a distant luxury. With each day, we grow more fatigued.

Meanwhile, we watch the guides. They dart among us to check our oxygen levels. They offer encouraging words and ensure we stay hydrated.

And the porters – the mountain’s engines. They welcome us to the next camp with wide smiles and a welcome song, as if they haven’t just raced with 20 kg on their backs from the last camp. Some even return to help us carry our small backpacks, lightening our burden towards the day’s goal.

It’s impossible not to feel a bit humble when you see a local gracefully jog past as we sometimes struggle for breath in the thin air.

When our legs say stop

And when you’re at your lowest point of doubt, almost at the peak, and willpower begins to fail, the guides once again become indispensable. They help you keep your eye on the prize – Africa’s highest point and the goal of this tour.

You might be unfortunate. You might not reach the goal. Your guide will tell you that, if needed. They motivate you and push you, but they look after you and know when you shouldn’t be pushed any further. When “pole, pole” isn’t sufficient.

But should you reach the summit with its unbeatable view atop Africa, you can be sure they are the first to congratulate you. To celebrate you. Even though it is us who should be celebrating them.

A thank you to the masters of the mountain

We return home with pictures of ourselves at Uhuru Peak. We tell tales of how we struggled, overcame challenges, and perhaps reached the summit.

But we couldn’t have done it on our own.

They carry not only our bags but also our discouragement – replacing it with the belief that we can achieve it.

So, thank you to Kilimanjaro’s true heroes.

Thank you for helping us fulfil the dream of climbing Africa’s highest mountain. And thank you for being there, even when we don’t succeed.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller

“Our team of porters was simply outstanding. Unbelievably resilient — they carried food, tents, tables, and everything we needed up the mountain at a pace the rest of us couldn’t match. By the time we reached camp, everything was set up, and we were greeted with smiles and songs. It was both impressive and incredibly motivating”

Quote: Claus – our CEO, who climbed Kilimanjaro in February 2025.