Your Journey, Our Passion.
We're the team you meet at the foot of Kilimanjaro. The guides who've walked every meter of these trails. The company that treats your summit like it's our own. Because when you succeed, we all celebrate together.
Our Story Why Chikima Exists
Many travel agencies treat Kilimanjaro as a mere transaction. You pay, hike, and then leave. Guides remain strangers, porters are often invisible, and prices are high.
We founded Chikima because we love nature, value encounters with people, and want to share their culture. For us, hiking Kilimanjaro is more than just a challenge – it's a journey that connects people. It's about genuine encounters and experiencing this special mountain in an authentic and respectful way.
Our guides, Abel and Denis Moshi, grew up in the region around Kilimanjaro. They don't just know the routes; they live the stories of the mountain. Every stone, every weather pattern, every moment – they are our bridge to the nature and the people who call this region home.
Claudia Santos brought the idea: "What if a travel agency put people and culture at the center?" That question became Chikima.
From the beginning, we've built Chikima differently. We avoid expensive middlemen and make sure that everyone – whether guide, porter, or support staff – is paid fairly and treated with the respect they deserve. You can see exactly where your money goes and how it benefits the people on the ground.
Transparency is not just an ethical choice for us; it's also good business practice. That's why we're honest about our prices, routes, and success rates. We don't promise unrealistic summit successes, but we do guarantee thorough preparation and full support to give you the best chance of reaching the summit.
We're not a massive travel agency. We're a small team, working with heart and passion. We answer your questions personally, pack our own gear, and celebrate every summit as if it were our first. Because for us, every success is a shared success.
When someone reaches Uhuru Peak, it never gets old. Watching people achieve something they didn't think they could do, that's why we do this.Claudia Santos, Gründerin
Our Team The Humans Behind Your Summit
Not employees. Not contractors. Family.
Claudia Santos
Founder & Travel Planning
European alpine background, now dedicated to Kilimanjaro. Designs personalized routes and ensures every team member receives fair treatment and compensation.
Abel Leonce Moshi
Founder & Head Mountain Guide
Raised in Marangu at the foot of Kilimanjaro. Abel meets every guest with empathy, respect, and patience—walking step by step alongside the soul of Kilimanjaro.
Denis Leonce Moshi
Mountain Guide & Adventurer
The heartbeat of our tours. With his warm personality, contagious laughter, and endless curiosity, Denis shows you Africa at its most vivid and unforgettable.
Lian Santos
Operations & Humanitarian
A big heart for the little ones. Driven by a strong sense of justice and fairness, Lian coordinates aid supplies to Tanzanian families through "Helfen Sie helfen."
What You Get with Chikima What You Get with Chikima
Not promises. Commitments.
Local Expertise
Abel & Denis were born in Moshi, with decades of combined mountain experience. They don't just know the routes. They know every weather pattern, every rock formation, and exactly when you'll need encouragement most.
Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees. Fair crew wages and equipment costs are fully included. We provide guidance on customary tip amounts, but you hand tips directly to your crew yourself—we never collect them on anyone's behalf. This ensures complete transparency and builds trust between you and the team supporting your climb.
Let's Plan Your Summit
Personalized itinerary designed for your fitness level. Direct communication with Claudia, no corporate middlemen, no automated responses.
Request Custom ItineraryPremium Equipment
All high-altitude tents and safety gear are rigorously inspected before every single journey. We provide quality equipment. For hygiene reasons, guests bring their own sleeping bags. Your safety is non-negotiable.
Community Impact
Every booking directly supports local Tanzanian families through our verified charity partnership. Your adventure creates tangible, lasting change for those who call Kilimanjaro home. Learn more
