climb Kilimanjaro

the beginning

In October 2024, founder Marc Tönse and his father embarked on the journey of a lifetime: climbing Kilimanjaro. It was to be a deeply personal experience. What was supposed to be a bonding father-son hike turned into a journey into the magical world of the highest mountain on the African continent – but also an unexpected confrontation with the harsh reality of Tanzanian tourism – as well as an encounter with our co-founder, Ramdhani a Jumani. Born and raised in Arusha between Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru Ramadhani as a child of the serengeti he is now a father and certified mountain guide who had stood on the summit of Kibo over 30 times.

the bond between the founders

Ramdhani was employed by a local provider. Thanks to the impeccable organization and attentive guidance of Ramdhani and his crew, the climb was perfect. They took care of everything – from food to camp preparation – and shared fascinating insights into the local culture, flora, and fauna. On October 10, 2024, Marc and his father reached Stella Point at 5,700 m and were ready to give up. But Ramdhani's motivational skills and his deep trust in them helped them to keep going – until they stood together on the summit of Kibo at 5,895 m. Founder Marc will never forget these moments – together with his father, an incredible crew, the view, and the knowledge that all the effort had been worth it. After the tour, the two founders became good friends. They went on another tour together to the Serengeti and Ol Donyi Lengai and spent more wonderful days together. Since these experiences, they have remained in close contact, both privately and to make this project possible.

the problem

Even though climbing Kilimanjaro was an unforgettable experience, it left a bitter aftertaste. Even before the trip, Marc noticed that the company they had booked the trip with was operating unfairly: While the tour-company only handled the communication in advance, Ramdhani did all the work from the moment we arrived. He picked us up from the airport, explained the route, put together the crew, took care of the equipment and the catering. What the company didn't tell us: while we paid them thousands of dollars to the tour-company (for very small effort), Ramadan and the crew received an UNBELIEVABLE USD1.50 per day. In the end, founder Marc and his father paid practically the entire salary as a tip on top. The crew told us that they are completely dependent on the clients, but sometimes only receive a tip of $20 – for 5-10 days of almost 24-hour work.

the solution

This absurdity gave rise to the desire to change something. Things have to be different, fairer for the local crew and more transparent for the customer.

This is how Rama Tours was born – named after the man who makes the experience possible: Ramadan.

When you book with us, you not only get unbeatable prices for the mountain, you also really help the local people and have an unforgettable experience.