Claudius Masayanyika (35), a Tanzanian Public Relations Officer with the Tanzania National Land Use Planning Commission (NLUPC), is not a professional mountain guide. However, he successfully reached the highest peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters above sea level), alongside 23 other Tanzanian trekkers for a meaningful cause.

Speaking in an exclusive interview to this paper after descending from Mt. Kilimanjaro, famously known as the ‘Roof of Africa,’ Masayanyika shared details of their special seven-day expedition via the Machame route. 

The trek was organized to commemorate 63 years of Tanganyika’s Independence, celebrated on December 9, 1961 (now marked as part of the United Republic of Tanzania, formed on April 26, 1964, following the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar).

The annual expedition, known as the Uhuru Climb and dubbed ‘Twenzetu Kileleni 2024,’ attract over 300 trekkers from Tanzania and around the world to honor the country’s Independence Day.

Masayanyika, who climbed alongside this writer and other trekkers, said: “As you witness now, we are not sailors, but we still have the right to shout: ‘Ahoy there!’ because we reached the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, representing a cause for people with learning disabilities worldwide.”

He recalled that it was around 6:35 a.m. on December 9, 2024, under the guidance of Chief Mountain Guide Experius Daniel from the Arusha-based tourism firm African Zoom, that he and his group made the final ascent from Barafu Camp. After a breathtaking two-and-a-half-hour slow trek, they reached Stella Point (5,756 meters above sea level) and then Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters above sea level).

“For a moment, I forgot I was with my three friends — you (James Lanka), Lameck from TANAPA, and Roadman from African Zoom. About 15 minutes later, I saw Joseph coming toward me from Uhuru Peak, just a few meters away. It dawned on me that we both made it!” he recalled cheerfully.

The climb was a culmination of their seven-day adventure through the challenging Machame route, also known as the “Whisky Route.” Masayanyika described reaching Uhuru Peak as a dream come true, though the journey itself felt like an unforgettable episode.

“Reaching Uhuru Peak was a dream comes true, but the actual climb is a long journey one would need to grow old to forget,” he noted joyfully.

He emphasized his motivation for the climb: “I like challenges. That’s why I scaled Mt. Kilimanjaro along with three children with learning disabilities from Gabriella Children’s Rehabilitation Centre in Hai District, Kilimanjaro region. I’m proud that I made it to Uhuru Peak with great assistance from Experius Daniel and his team.”

Masayanyika said he had long dreamed of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro to prove to the world that “anything is possible if you believe, and people with disabilities can achieve great things if supported.”

Journalists Bahati Mustafa Nyakiraria and Winnie Shao, who also joined the special climb, shared their experiences. Nyakiraria said, “Though I did not make it to the top, I am very happy to be one of the Tanzanians who climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro to commemorate our 63 years of independence.”

Chief Mountain Guide Experius Daniel from African Zoom, who led the expedition, said his team was dedicated to ensuring all trekkers reached the summit.

“With over 15 years of experience as a professional mountain guide, I am proud to lead this significant expedition, which not only marks our country’s independence but also promotes local tourism and the Swahili language in collaboration with officials from UDSM’s Mwalimu Nyerere Chair,” Daniel explained cheerfully.

He highlighted the crucial support from Moshi-based search and rescue services and KILI MEDAIR AVIATION, which provided medical assistance for trekkers suffering from high-altitude sickness.

Magreth Samson, founder and Director of African Zoom, emphasized the progress made in Tanzania’s tourism sector over the past 63 years of independence.

“We are proud that all trekkers who started their journey today morning with our company are expected to reach the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro on December 9, the day we gained independence, and begin their descent the same day,” she said.

Samson also applauded President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts in promoting tourism through the famous Royal Tour film.