Wilderness First Responders
Thomson Mountain Guides are internationally certified Wilderness First Responders. Fluent in English and Swahili, they are all Tanzanian-born and seasoned Kilimanjaro experts with 100-200+ personal summits. Their extensive experience leading treks with western group dynamics includes prominent groups like MTV, WaterCan, Through the Roof . Climbing with Thomson Mountain Guides is the safest way to summit.
Charles Kihiyo
150 + Kilimanjaro summits
Featured on MTV
Charles was born in the small village of Korogwe on the coast of Tanzania. He has reached the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro more than 150 times. When he’s not sharing his love of the mountain with fellow trekkers, he’s spending time with his wife and three children.
Bernard Shirima
150+ Kilimanjaro summits
Featured on MTV & Through the Roof
Bernard was born in Marangu Village at the southeastern foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro, and lives there today with his two children. He knows climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is a difficult feat— having reached the summit more than 150 times—but his outgoing personality and reverence for trekking make it a memorable journey.
Onesphory Mtui
150+
Kilimanjaro summits
Featured on MTV
Onesphory was born in northern Tanzania at the southeastern foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro. He loves meeting new people and learning about other cultures, and he’s traveled to Europe, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. He has led over 150 expeditions up Mt. Kilimanjaro and finds great satisfaction in bringing all of his climbers safely to the summit.
Kaen Kapange
100+ Kilimanjaro summits
Featured in the New York Times & Kili’s Youngest Summiteer
Kaen grew up in southern Tanzania’s highlands and has climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro more than 100 times. He is dedicated to sharing his love and knowledge of the mountain with fellow trekkers and delights in meeting Thomson guests from around the world. When he’s not on the mountain, he’s spending time with his wife and child and exploring Tanzania for uncharted hiking terrain.
Msafiri Muna
100+ Kilimanjaro summits
Featured on MTV
Msafiri was born in Arusha, and lives there today with his wife and child. His name means “the traveler,” which is appropriate as he has journeyed up Mt. Kilimanjaro more than 100 times. He loves learning from Thomson guests, spending time with his family, and studying languages.
Godlove Kiwelu
100+ Kilimanjaro summits
Godlove was born in northern Tanzania at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro. He studied in the U.S. for an extensive period of time, returning to Tanzania to take his place as Head Guide. Godlove is a thoughtful, intelligent, and compassionate presence on the mountain and has reached the summit more than 100 times. He lives with his family in Arusha.
Glory Thobias
Dozens of Kilimanjaro summits
Born in the Kilimanjaro district of Tanzania, Glory is one of very few female guides on Kilimanjaro. She fell in love with the mountain after climbing in 2009 and decided to make a permanent career choice guiding climbers. Glory continues to receive top scores on her wilderness first responder trainings and we look forward to having her on many summits with us!
Wilbard Minja
200+ Kilimanjaro summits
Featured on MTV
Wilbard grew up in Marangu Village at the southeastern foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro. He began his guiding career in 1986 because he loved the mountain and it gave him the opportunity to assist his family in Marangu. He loves the mountain and has climbed it more than 200 times. Wilbard prides himself on his attention to detail, and takes great care in quietly managing all the details that make up each trek. He is dedicated to his climbers and looks forward to expanding his cultural knowledge and world view with each new trek. When he’s not guiding, he is spending time with his wife and three children.
Andrew Kitema
150+ Kilimanjaro summits
Andrew was born in southern Tanzania’s highlands, and has reached Mt. Kilimanjaro’s summit more than 150 times. He considers guiding to be more than a job—it’s his calling in life. He is a skilled leader who believes climbing cultivates a healthy body and mind. Andrew lives in Marangu Village with his wife and three kids.
Prosper Kamil
150+
Kilimanjaro summits
Featured on MTV
Prosper was born in a village at the southeastern foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro and has climbed the mountain more than 150 times. His extensive experience and easygoing nature make him an exceptional trekking partner and leader. When he’s not guiding, Prosper is spending time with his wife and five children, playing soccer, and tending his farm.
Wilson Mchome
200+ Kilimanjaro summits
Wilson appreciates how each trek introduces him to new guests and experiences and is going on his 200th Kili summit. He loves being outdoors and when he’s not climbing, he enjoys working on his farm in Ngurdoto Village and spending time with his wife and four children.
