Jonas Rutta

    Jonas Rutta

    Lead Tanzanian Guide

    Jonas was born in the Chagga Village of Marangu, growing up with Kilimanjaro in his backyard. He has worked as a mountain guide for over 20 years. Jonas has traveled to Argentina, completing an ascent of Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere- 6963m/22,844ft. While in Argentina, Jonas also completed a professional mountaineering course for guides. Jonas is the current Chairman of the Tanzanian branch of the Explorers Club, based in New York City. He has been featured in a New York Times article by Tom Bissel.

    Jonas is Wilderness First Responder certified by NOLS. As a guide he is very passionate about his work enjoys very much sharing his extensive knowledge on natural history, mountain climbing and the local culture. He is the father of 4 children and lives in Arusha, Tanzania with his family.

    Significant Ascents

    250+ ascents of Kilimanjaro by all routes

    Certifications

    • 10 years working with Alpine Ascents groups
    • WFR certified by NOLS

    Best trip ever. The strengths of the program are as advertised: strong western guide, excellent local staff (perhaps the highlight of this trip!), enough time to acclimate on the mountain, etc.

    Mount Kilimanjaro BLOG

    • 2022 Kilimanjaro Webinar

      Are you planning on climbing to the roof of Africa this summer?  If so, check out the 2022 Kilimanjaro webinar that we hosted on May 25th.  Our Kilimanjaro Program Director, Eric Murphy, outlined our COVID-19 protocols, the Tanzanian VISA process, and gave a detailed overview of the trip and what to expect.  We wrapped up […]

    • Kilimanjaro COVID-19 Hunger Relief Update

      by Eric Murphy  Our ongoing and very successful ($37,000 +) Kilimanjaro Covid-19 Hunger Relief Fundraiser has just completed the 2nd food distributions for all 310 crew and staff. Members from our Tanzanian partner company Big Expeditions handled all aspects of whole purchase and transport of over 12,000 lbs of rice, corn and sugar. Arusha crew […]

    • Kilimanjaro: A Tribute to our Tanzanian Crew

      by Paul Koubek  As one of the western guides fortunate to work with the Alpine Ascents Kilimanjaro Program, when I was asked to write a blog post about any topic I wanted, the first thing that came to mind for me about my experience on Kilimanjaro was: the people! Every Alpine Ascents climb of Kilimanjaro […]

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