Every Mount Kilimanjaro climb is made possible by the incredible dedication and hard work of the mountain crew.. The mountain itself is challenging, unpredictable, and so demanding, but it is the skill, dedication, and experience of the team that will turn your climb into a safe and unforgettable journey. From lead guides who know every trail like the back of their hand to porters who carry all the equipment you need across steep terrain, and cooks who prepare nourishing meals at high altitude, each member plays a vital role in ensuring climbers can focus on the adventure ahead.
What sets the Follow Alice team apart is not just technical skill, but the care and attention given to every climber who books a trip with us. Our guides are with you every step of the way, keeping a close eye on your health and acclimatisation, offering encouragement during the toughest moments, and sharing stories about Kilimanjaro, its wildlife, and the rich culture of Tanzania. Our porters and support staff take care of every detail, setting up camp, managing logistics, and offering support you will definitely need throughout the trek. If you would like to find out more about us, book a call with us today.
The Mount Kilimanjaro team pose for a photo.
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Kilimanjaro mountain crew
What most climbers remember long after reaching the summit isn’t just the view, but the people who helped them get there. Behind every tent pitched, every meal prepared, and every step taken on the trail, there’s a team of Tanzanian guides, porters, and cooks whose knowledge, skill, and dedication turn a challenging trek into an unforgettable adventure.
At the heart of our incredible team is Chris Sichalwe, who started as a porter in 1999 and went on to become the Director of Follow Alice in Tanzania. His story is one of resilience, passion, and dedication. Having experienced every role on the mountain, Chris truly understands the challenges climbers face, the responsibilities guides carry, and the hard work of porters and cooks. This insight shapes everything he does, from planning safe, enjoyable routes to fostering a supportive, uplifting environment where both staff and trekkers feel inspired and cared for.
Chris Sichalwe poses for an image.
He recalls that there was no official organisation like Kilimanjaro Responsible Trekking Organisation (KRTO) to protect workers’ rights or welfare. Porters often climbed without proper gear, no climbing equipment, no boots, and no sleeping bags. Instead, they used thin blankets to survive cold nights. There were no weight limits, so porters sometimes carried loads of 30 kg or more up the mountain.
These experiences left a lasting impression on Chris. Having endured the hardships himself, he is now committed to ensuring fair treatment for porters at Follow Alice. He explains that his personal suffering motivates him to make sure others do not go through the same.
By Chris’s side is his younger brother Robert, aka Bobu, a lead guide whose experience on Kilimanjaro is unmatched. Together, they combine decades of knowledge, a deep respect for the mountain, and a dedication to every climber’s journey. With Robert guiding you, every step feels secure, supported, and full of encouragement.
Robert Sichalwe poses with his first aid training certificate.
Want to learn more about Chris and his path on Kilimanjaro? Watch his video here:
Meet the people who make climbing Kilimanjaro possible
Our Kilimanjaro crew is made up of talented men and women from across Tanzania, each bringing their own expertise and personality to the mountain. For many, these climbs provide an important source of income that supports families, communities, and the region as a whole. By working with local staff, we help create meaningful opportunities that respect both people and the environment. At Follow Alice, responsible travel isn’t just a principle, it’s a commitment.
The crew with trekkers posing for a picture ahead of the trek.
Let's take a look at the people you will need when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro:
1. Lead guides
The lead guide is the backbone of every expedition. They plan the route, set the pace, monitor climbers’ health, and make important decisions to keep the team safe. All our lead guides hold Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification and bring years of high-altitude experience to the mountain. At the forefront of the Follow Alice team are Chris and his brother, Robert. Chris began his journey as a porter, carrying heavy loads across the mountain as a teenager. He says:
Working as a porter taught me discipline, patience, and respect for every person on the mountain.
Today, as Director of Follow Alice Tanzania, Chris combines his hands-on experience with visionary leadership to create safe, memorable, and personalised treks. Robert, equally skilled, is known for his calm presence and support for climbers. Together, the Sichalwe brothers exemplify professionalism, experience, and teamwork, qualities that define the Follow Alice approach.
Fun fact: With over 300 successful summits to his name, Chris knows every trail, campsite, and turn of Kilimanjaro like the back of his hand. His exceptional record and dedication to his climbers have earned him a top-10 ranking (#6 out of 261) among all Kilimanjaro guides.
Chris on Mount Kilimanjaro.
2. Assistant guides
Assistant guides are the quiet strength of every Kilimanjaro climb. They move through the group from start to finish, keeping a close eye on each trekker’s well-being. Their job goes far beyond simply walking beside you — they monitor breathing, hydration, and energy levels, and they’re trained to spot the earliest signs of altitude sickness long before they become serious.
During the tougher sections of the climb, assistant guides are often the ones offering a steady hand, a word of encouragement, or a reminder to slow your pace and breathe deeply. They set a rhythm that keeps everyone moving safely and confidently toward camp. Their knowledge of the mountain and instinct for when to push and when to pause are what make the journey not only successful but enjoyable.
They’re also the first to celebrate your milestones, the first big climb, the first glacier view, and, of course, the summit itself. With their calm energy and genuine care, assistant guides make sure no climber ever feels alone, whether physically or mentally, on the way to Uhuru Peak.
Assistant guides lead the way on the trek.
3. Cooks
At high altitude, food is more than fuel; it’s what your body needs to keep going. Follow Alice’s mountain cooks prepare nutritious, energising meals designed to sustain trekkers through long, challenging days. From hot soups to fresh fruit and full breakfasts, each meal is prepared with care, ensuring climbers stay energised and spirits remain high.
Our head cook, Rajabu “Raja” Hamza, can be easily spotted by his signature brown-and-white beanie — he is the culinary heart of our Kilimanjaro crew. A proud local from the Kilimanjaro region, Raja has mastered the art of mountain cooking. Day after day, he turns simple ingredients into hearty, delicious meals that keep everyone energised and smiling, even at high altitude. While most of us would be chuffed just to boil noodles up there, Raja somehow manages to serve up everything from pancakes to popcorn and flavourful stews.
Our head cook, Raja (in the brown-and-white beanie), serves up freshly made food.
4. Porters
Porters are the backbone of every Kilimanjaro climb. They’re the first to set out in the morning and often the last to arrive at camp, carrying tents, food, climbing gear, and trekkers’ duffel bags, sometimes up to 20 kg each across steep and rocky terrain. Their strength, endurance, and good humour keep the climb running smoothly, no matter the weather or altitude.
They’re also the heart of the mountain community, offering smiles, songs, and encouragement that lift everyone’s spirits. Thanks to organisations like KRTO, porter welfare has improved in recent years. Today, many teams receive fair wages, proper clothing, adequate meals, and safe working conditions, helping ensure that those who carry Kilimanjaro on their shoulders are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Three of our incredible porters are taking a well-deserved breather on the slopes of Kilimanjaro.
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Follow Alice's philosophy
The idea for Follow Alice was born in 2014, when our founder, Reto Bolliger, climbed Kilimanjaro with Chris Sichalwe as his lead guide. Chris always dreamed of running his own Kilimanjaro operation. Inspired by Chris’s vision, Reto teamed up with him, Kazi, and Robert to turn that dream into reality. Since then, Follow Alice has grown into a global family of local guides and international explorers, united by a shared passion for adventure, travel, and creating unforgettable mountain experiences.
Our founder, Reto working with Chris, Robert and Kazi.
Why our team matters
At Follow Alice, our guides and crew do far more than lead treks; they will always create experiences that stay with you long after the climb. With such great knowledge of Kilimanjaro, they support climbers at every stage, offering guidance, encouragement, and a human touch on what can be one of the most physically and emotionally demanding journeys of a lifetime. Their dedication to safety, enjoyment, and sustainability ensures every trek is seamless, rewarding, and truly memorable.
Group photo of trekkers and mountain crew at the start of the Kilimanjaro climb.
Learn more: 6 tips for happy feet on Kilimanjaro
Why teamwork makes the summit possible
Getting to the summit isn’t just about the climbers. It takes a team of people behind the scenes to make every step possible. Our crew operates like a family, looking out for one another and every climber from the first step to Uhuru Peak.
It takes everyone working together, the guides, porters, cooks, and climbers to make the journey safe, comfortable, and unforgettable, says Chris.
Climbing with Follow Alice is about more than the summit. The real magic lies in the people you meet and the moments you share along the way, making every step unforgettable.
Learn more: What is it like to climb Kilimanjaro?
Adventure with responsibility
At Follow Alice, we believe adventure should leave a positive impact. Every decision we make is guided by four key questions:
- Do our services offer local entrepreneurs growth opportunities?
- Does our business benefit the local community and economy?
- Do we help to protect or at least not harm the wildlife we encounter?
- Do we help to protect or at least not harm the natural environments we explore?
These questions keep us accountable and remind us that true adventure is not only about where we go, but how we get there. A significant portion of the trip price stays in the local economy. While this is common in adventure travel, what matters most to us is how it’s channelled into fair wages, local empowerment, and strengthening the partnerships that sustain the communities we visit.
Trekkers and workers pose for a photo after the climb.
Experience Kilimanjaro with the Follow Alice team
At Follow Alice, every Kilimanjaro trek is shaped by the people who make it possible. From Chris and Robert Sichalwe’s leadership to the guides, cooks, porters, and support staff, every team member ensures your climb is safe, comfortable, and unforgettable. Their experience and care mean you can focus on the journey, while knowing the local community and the mountain are respected every step of the way. Ready to make your Kilimanjaro dream a reality? Plan your trek with Follow Alice today and experience the mountain with a team that truly cares.
