Tanzanian mountain porter set to conquer Mount Everest

TANZANIA (eTN) – An experienced porter who has been climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for decades is set to become the first Tanzanian to conquer the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest in mid-May this year.

The Mount Kilimanjaro porter, Mr. Wilfred Moshi, left Tanzania this week for Nepal to face the challenges counted to be his lifetime memory.

Unable to raise funds for his memorable trip to Nepal, the porter got financial support from the United Kingdom, United States, Middle East, and New Zealand where a number of mountain climbing enthusiasts contributed US$100,000 to sponsor his trip. The money, which has been contributed for his trip, has been forwarded to Adventure Consultants of New Zealand, which is coordinating the venture.

He said the whole exercise to trek Mount Everest is expected to take ten weeks, and if his mission becomes a success, he will be the first Tanzanian to reach the highest peak in the world.

More sources from Northern Tanzania said the Mount Kilimanjaro Marathon’s 50 kilometer “Ultra-marathon” has been organized for June this year, in part to mark Tanzania’s 50 years of independence from Britain.

Mount Kilimanjaro Marathon also features a full marathon at 42 kilometers, half marathon at 21 kilometers, 10 kilometers, and 5 kilometers where participants of all experiences circle the foothills of the mountain passing through some of Tanzania’s most beautiful landscapes.

Tanzania Tourist Board’s Managing Director Dr. Aloyce Nzuki said the increasing popularity of the annual Mount Kilimanjaro Marathon would help Tanzania to raise its profile as an international sports tourism destination, where people of different cultures come together in a supporting and a welcoming atmosphere.

Mount Kilimanjaro Race Director and the organizer of the June 24 Mount Kilimanjaro Marathon. Marie Frances. said more and more American runners are looking for the ultimate challenge, and the Mount Kilimanjaro Marathon provides the perfect environment.

“In order to encourage more people to experience the thrill even if they are not the fastest runners, we have created shorter races to enable people to run in a marathon at their own pace. There are also travel packages so that the runners and their families and friends can also explore this beautiful country following the Marathon,” she noted.

All-inclusive travel packages start at US$4,695, which includes round-trip air, accommodations, meals, transfers, marathon fees, and also a Mount Kilimanjaro climb.