I'm Joseph, a Kilimanjaro guide with more than 200 summits. I started on this mountain as a porter in 2012, and I'll walk you to Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m, at a pace your body can handle.
Kilimanjaro is my home. I have spent almost 15 years on this mountain. I started as a porter in 2012, worked as a cook from 2016 to 2018, and I have been a guide since 2018.
I have reached the summit more than 200 times. Because I have been a porter, a cook and a guide, I know every job in the crew.
The oldest climber I have guided was 87 years old. He took the 7-day Machame route and reached Uhuru Peak without supplementary oxygen.
For first-time climbers I recommend the Machame or Lemosho route. Both give your body time to acclimatise, and more climbers reach the summit on them.
Licensed mountain-climbing guide, Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Tanzania. Licence no. 039257, valid until 31 Dec 2026.
A huge thank you, Joseph, for organizing this climb and for such an amazing week in the mountains with the whole team!
The mountain really challenged us, but we made it to the summit and experienced a truly magical and emotional moment. We couldn’t have done it without your advice, experience and incredible support. So once again, a massive thank you!
We are so happy to have shared these special moments as newlyweds, and these memories (along with the many photos!) will stay with us for a very long time.
Please thank the whole team again on our behalf, especially Jakson, who is also an excellent guide and was always so kind and attentive. We will definitely recommend you to any friends who might be tempted by this adventure!
Always hard to say goodbye Thank you for everything. We loved it so so much. Every moments. You are an amazing human being and you can count on us to do our best to help you with your goal. We can really call you our friend so friends help and trust each other and you can reach out whenever. Take care brother and blessing for your wonderful family. Millions thanks bro
3 of the 6 routes I guide. Each itinerary has its own page with a day-by-day plan and altitude profile.
The "Whiskey route". A steep start through the rainforest, across the Shira Plateau, then the southern circuit under the glaciers to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak. [NEEDS JOSEPH'S OK]
Starts on the quiet western side of the mountain, through remote forest and across the whole Shira Plateau, before joining the southern circuit to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak. [NEEDS JOSEPH'S OK]
The longest and quietest way up. It follows Lemosho across the Shira Plateau, then circles the remote northern slopes of Kibo, with views into Kenya, before a sunrise summit via Gilman's Point. [NEEDS JOSEPH'S OK]
| Itinerary | Days | Distance | Summit via | Sleeping | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machame route, 6 days | 6 | 63 km (39 mi) | Stella Point | Tents | $1,750 |
| Machame route, 7 days | 7 | 63 km (39 mi) | Stella Point | Tents | $1,900 |
| Lemosho route, 7 days | 7 | 67 km (42 mi) | Stella Point | Tents | $2,000 |
| Lemosho route, 8 days | 8 | 67 km (42 mi) | Stella Point | Tents | $2,250 |
| Northern Circuit, 8 days | 8 | 90 km (56 mi) | Gilman's Point | Tents | $2,300 |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
Prices are per person. They can change for larger groups, so message me for a final price.
Photos and a short video from climbs with Joseph, published with the permission of the climbers in them.
You'll walk from 30 °C rainforest to −15 °C on summit night. Layers are everything. Everything below can be rented from me.
Save it to your phone as a checklist you can tick off while you pack.
Every item on this list is available to rent, from sleeping bags and down jackets to poles and headlamps. All rental gear is cleaned and checked after each climb. Message me at least 2 weeks before your climb with your sizes and what you need. In peak season (July to September) the popular sizes go fast.
There is no fixed price list. Tell me what you need, and I'll confirm the prices.
Ask about rentalsSome climbers buy new gear for the climb and don't plan to use it again. Sometimes I can buy it from you afterwards, but only case by case, and it is not guaranteed. Message me about it before your trip.
Porters carry your bags to 4,600 m and back down again. For many, tips are what pays school fees. Here's what to budget, why cash stays in your hotel safe during the climb, and how to make sure every porter gets their share. [NEEDS JOSEPH'S OK]
Which airport to fly into, why to arrive a day early, and how I can arrange your pick-up and hotels before and after the climb.
Send me your dates, how many of you are climbing and the route you have in mind. You can write to me in English or Swahili.
WhatsApp only. No contact form, no email.
+255 745 044 958
Message Joseph on WhatsAppOff the mountain I reply within a couple of hours. I'm on the mountain a lot, though, and on a climb I may only have signal once a day or every few days.
Optional, on top of the climb. Prices vary, so message me before your trip and I'll confirm them.
| Extra | Price |
|---|---|
| Airport pick-up, JRO to Moshi | On request |
| Airport drop-off, Moshi to JRO | On request |
| Hotel, night before the climb | On request |
| Hotel, night after the climb | On request |
| Extra rest day in Moshi | On request |