From Porter to Partner: Chris Sichalwe’s Amazing Story

Most people think of Mount Kilimanjaro as snow, long hikes, and the excitement of reaching the top. But for Christopher Sichalwe, it was different. The mountain tested him, pushed him to survive, and changed his life forever. Chris started on Kilimanjaro in 1999 as a porter. When he was a porter there was no such thing as the The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) and most of those working on the mountain had no access to proper equipment, clothes and even slept on just a bed sheet. For seven years, he carried tents, food, and equipment up steep volcanic slopes, learning the mountain in its rawest form. Chris recounts those times and said:

By 2006, Chris became a guide, rising to assistant guide, lead guide, and eventually chief guide. Experiencing everything first hand Chris had a bigger goal. He wanted to create a system where porters were paid fairly, trained well, and treated with respect. It was a system he wished had existed when he was a porter. Today, he has summited Kilimanjaro more than 300 times and we can bet that no one knows Mount Kilimanjaro better than him. He has even been named as one of the top guides in that region.

Chris pictured with his co-workers at a first-aid training in Tanzania.

So how did Chris's journey change? Well, in 2014, Follow Alice's co-founders Reto Bolliger and Dan Louis arrived in Tanzania to tackle Mount Kilimanjaro, hoping for a life-changing adventure. The climb itself was unforgettable, but the way it was run left much to be desired. Outsourced management, poor communication, and rigid systems made both climbers and local crews feel like just another number. Then they met Chris, a guide and former porter whose dedication, empathy, and leadership changed their experience and showed them what a truly people-focused operation could look like.

For this trip, climbing Kilimanjaro took seven days, five ascending, two descending. Seven days of sharing stories, laughter, and the realities of life on the mountain. Chris shared his vision of running a fair and empowering operation. Reto and Dan shared their frustrations with traditional travel operators. By the time they descended, the blueprint for Follow Alice was clear.

Reto said:

We always say what makes us different is that Follow Alice was born on the side of a mountain, not in a boardroom. Now more than a decade later, it has grown into a boutique, ethically driven adventure travel company. We deliver well-organised, milestone-defining expeditions with the warmth of a close-knit team and the professionalism of a world-class operator. Unlike many travel brands, Follow Alice was built in direct partnership with the people on the ground. So if you have any travel questions feel free to schedule a call with us.

Chris and Reto discuss plans with team members in Tanzania.

Watch here to learn more about Follow Alice's origins:

Fast-forward to now, Chris has become the Director of Operations in Tanzania for Mount Kilimanjaro, overseeing every expedition. He handpicks guides, trains crews, and ensures porters are treated fairly. Follow Alice also works closely with the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project to guarantee fair pay, proper equipment, and transparent tipping. Loads are weighed. Sleeping arrangements are monitored. Safety is a priority and oxygen levels for climbers are always checked.

Chris says:

Reto adds:

What began as a single Kilimanjaro climb has grown into an international adventure community. Friends who joined the first trips returned inspired, asking what else Follow Alice offered. The company expanded carefully and now has gorilla trekking in Uganda, treks in Nepal and Bhutan, adventures in Peru and many other exciting adventure trips.

The heart of Follow Alice will alway remain in Tanzania. Around 70 per cent of each trip’s revenue stays local, supporting wages, conservation, and families. Chris’s early struggles inform every decision.

He says:

Watch Chris’s story here:

When we reflect on Chris's journey where he no longer carries heavy loads up Kilimanjaro. Instead now he leads an operation that supports local communities, helps families, and raises standards across the mountain. From porter to partner, his journey reflects the growth of Follow Alice itself. Reto still calls that first summit life-changing. The real change happened on the way down, in conversations that turned a guide’s dream into a shared mission.

Follow Alice may have started because a climb went wrong, but it was built on a simple belief that travel should lift everyone involved from the travellers to guides, porters, and the communities that make it all possible. In the world of adventure travel, the most meaningful summits aren’t measured in metres above sea level, they’re measured in lives we have changed.

If you would like to learn more about our Kilimanjaro trips feel free to contact us and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have.