A 10-year-old boy, Anwaar Njiku, from Njiro in Arusha Region has made history by becoming the youngest person ever to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Njiku reached the peak of Africa’s tallest mountain on January 5, 2025, after an impressive eight-day trek that started on December 29, 2024.

He climbed the mountain using the challenging Lemosho Route, descending via   Mweka route. His feat is particularly remarkable considering the extreme altitude and varying climate conditions encountered during the ascent.

Mount Kilimanjaro, which stands at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), takes hikers through several diverse climate zones from tropical rainforests to alpine deserts, and finally, the arctic conditions near the summit.

The young adventurer’s achievement was celebrated alongside a group of 10 international tourists, many of whom were fellow climbers on the same expedition. The boy’s father, Athuman Njiku, also accompanied him on the climb, offering support and encouragement during the arduous journey. The climb was organised as part of a special birthday celebration for Njiku, marking the milestone with a truly extraordinary experience.

His remarkable accomplishment has now earned him a place in Tanzania’s history. He is officially the youngest Tanzanian to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, a record previously held by 20-year-old Rawan Dakik, who also made headlines as the youngest Tanzanian to make it to the summit of Mount Everest in 2021.

The achievement has garnered widespread praise, not only for Njiku’s physical and mental resilience but also for the inspiration it offers to other young Tanzanians and aspiring adventurers.

His success highlights the potential for determination and perseverance to break barriers, no matter one’s age.

The boy’s feat comes at a time when the government and tourism sector actors emphasise the importance of preserving Mount Kilimanjaro as a world-renowned natural and cultural heritage site.