
01/05/2025
THIS IS WHO I AM
My name is Abdi Abdallah, and I have dedicated the past nine years of my life to Mount Kilimanjaro, helping climbers from all over the world achieve their dreams. My journey to becoming a guide was not easy, but it was fueled by passion, perseverance, and a deep love for both the mountain and the people I meet along the way.
Starting as a Porter
At 23 years old, I took my first steps on Kilimanjaro—not as a guide, but as a porter. It was a tough job, carrying heavy loads through steep trails, battling extreme weather conditions, and pushing my body beyond its limits. However, it was during this time that I learned the true spirit of teamwork and resilience. The porters are the backbone of every successful climb, and I gained immense respect for the men and women who dedicate their lives to supporting climbers.
Though the work was physically demanding, I never gave up because I knew this was just the beginning of my journey. Every time I reached the summit with a group, I felt a deep sense of fulfillment, watching climbers celebrate their achievement. I knew then that I wanted to do more than just carry loads—I wanted to guide people to the top and share in their success.
Pursuing My Passion as a Guide
In 2018, I took a bold step toward my dream and enrolled in a Mountain Guide course. It wasn’t easy balancing studies with work, but my passion for guiding kept me going. I learned about mountain safety, first aid, navigation, altitude sickness management, and customer service. More importantly, I developed the skills needed to lead and inspire climbers from different backgrounds.
Becoming a guide wasn’t just about knowing the mountain; it was about understanding people—their fears, strengths, and motivations. Over the years, I have had the privilege of meeting climbers from all over the world, each with their own unique story. I have learned from them, shared my culture, and built lifelong friendships.
Living My Dream
I can confidently say that this is my dream job. There is nothing more fulfilling than standing at Uhuru Peak with climbers who thought they couldn’t make it, witnessing their joy and sense of achievement.