High-altitude mountain climbing poses many challenges, which makes it all the more exhilarating when diplomatic envoys, typically not associated with high levels of physical endurance, successfully reach the freezing summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. According to information from the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), three ambassadors—one retired and two still serving—were among nearly 200 climbers who scaled Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit during an expedition organised to commemorate 63 years of Tanganyika’s independence on 9 December 1961. A total of 250 climbers participated, with 90 per cent reaching the summit, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism. The three diplomats who reached the summit were former Permanent Secretary (PS) to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador (Retired) Aziz Ponary Mlima, Ambassador Baraka Luvanda (Tokyo, Japan) and Ambassador Professor Adelardus Lubango Kilangi (Brasilia, Brazil). The expedition began on 3rd December 2024 and all climbers descended safely on 10 December 2024. Due to their large numbers, the climbers used three different routes to approach the summit: Lemosho, Machame and Marangu. Experienced porter and guide Hamis Mbita told ‘The Arusha News’ that those who ascended via the Machame Gate took the more challenging route. He nonetheless commended all participants for their achievement. “Even some of us, the so-called wagumu (Swahili for ‘tough guys’), sometimes suffer from mountain sickness,” he said. Mbita himself did not take part in the expedition. Among the group were youthful climbers who impressively reached the summit in just one day, tackling the over 19,340-foot (5,895-metre) altitude with remarkable speed. This achievement has sparked interest in creating a new Mount Kilimanjaro climbing challenge tailored for both youthful climbers and senior adventurers alike. Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Nkoba Mabula, noted that the number of climbers who reached the summit during this expedition marked a new record in the history of Kilimanjaro climbs. Ambassador (Dr) Mahadhi Maalim, Tanzania’s envoy to Malaysia and leader of the diplomats who scaled the mountain, said the ambassadors are now set to act as “Special Envoys” to promote Mount Kilimanjaro and Tanzania’s tourism globally. The Chairman of TANAPA’s Board of Trustees, General (Retired) George Waitara, praised the cooks, porters and guides for their outstanding work in catering to the diverse needs of such a large group of climbers. He referred to them as the “real pillars” of Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions, describing the mountain as a gift to all Tanzanians, their neighbors and humanity as a whole. Experienced guide Hamis Mbita highlighted that Mount Kilimanjaro’s challenges extend beyond climbing . Emergency evacuationst o l owe r altitudes, often required to save lives, can be equally strenuous and demand swift action. Mount Kilimanjaro stands as Africa’s highest peak and the tallest free[1]standing mountain in the world, not part of any mountain range. European explorer Hans Meyer was the first to reach the summit, guided by a local expert, Yohani Kinyala Lauwo, on 5th October 1889. Lauwo continued to guide climbers for over 70 years, training young guides along the way. When Lauwo turned 100 years old, TANAPA presented him with a modern house i n r e c o g n i t i o n o f h i s contributions. He passed away in 1996, estimated to be 124 years old—a possible testament to the longevity benefits of breathing the pristine air of Kilimanjaro, a dormant yet not extinct volcano often referred to as the “Shining Mountain
DIPLOMATS CONQUER MT KILIMARKING 63 YEARS OF ‘UHURU’
