These guys are our new heroes! During the 7 days it took us to climb up and down Tanzania’s Mt. Kilimanjaro, our porters did it in half the time each day, while carrying 25+ kilos of “stuff” on their backs, shoulders, and heads.
In total, our climb required 11 of them to take the 2 of us up the mountain; 2 guides, 1 cook, 1 waiter, 1 toilet attendant, and 6 others to haul our gear up along with the tents, tables, food, water, and everything else our team was going to need along the way. Needless to say, it was quite the operation, and witnessing their strength, endurance, and agility was jaw-dropping!
Not only are these boys the true masters of Kilimanjaro, but they do it each day with a smile on their face and a friendly “jambo” or “polepole” as they bounce past you dragging your feet. No matter how accomplished you may feel by reaching the top of Kilimanjaro, your feat is nothing in comparison to what these porters do. They make the hike look like child’s play, and their sprint down the mountain on the final day is full-on embarrassing as you hobble along with black toenails, blisters, and blown out knees.
Oh, and lets not forget how lovable they are also. Handsome smiles, strong muscles, and always there for you when you need them. If it wasn’t for Katherine falling in love with our waiter, Rachidi, I’m sure she would’ve summited rather than opting for him to take her down to a warm tent with a steaming cup of ginger tea. ;)
**To read and see more of our adventure up Kilimanjaro, read #11 Complete – Climb Kilimanjaro!!
Our Crew! Standing Left to Right: Miraji, Katherine, John (guide), William, Halfan (toilet attendant), Robert, Shamran, Chris, Marcel (guide) Sitting Left to Right: Thomas, Rachidi (waiter), Charles (cook) Missing: John
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