Nicholas Minja

Nicholas is the founder and director of Big Expeditions. He was born and raised on the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. His Outdoor enthusiasm began when he was only 12 years. His uncle who was one of the best trained and proficient Kilimanjaro guides in the 80's decided to take the young boy on a six days Kilimanjaro climb. Despite Nicholas' tender age he summitted successfully, since then climbing has become Nicholas life long passion and decided to become a professional Mountain guide after the completion of his studies.

He has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Kenya, Meru and Oldoinyo Lengai countless times, this has helped him gain confidence and focus. He is known for his boundless energy and enthusiasm for climbing. With Nicholas it does not matter whether you have climbing experience with him you are going to have a truly unique experience.

Over the years he has attended several courses on mountain craft, wilderness first responder, outdoor leadership, first aid and wilderness medicine. Even though he now spends most of his time in the office taking care of logistical issues and other office work he still finds time to climb from time to time due to his great passion for climbing.

Angel Minja

Angel is the wife of Nicholas Minja and a director at Big Expeditions. She is also one of the guides of the company. Angel first climbed Kilimanjaro when she was a second year student at the University of Dar es salaam where she was persuing a degree in Public administration. She has attended several courses to high altitude Management and wilderness medicine.

Angel's relaxed approach and love of the mountain help ensure that you summit successfully. Her other passion is singing. She is a member of the choir in her local church where she has been singing ever since she was a kid. She also gets time to visit Mkombozi School for the orphans that she manages with her husband Nicholas.

Julius Minja

Julius is the most senior guide at Big Expeditions with more than 25 years of guiding experience. He has a calm manner, enthusiastic attitude with a wealth of experience that will make your time with Big Expeditions a memorable one. He is very passionate about taking people of all abilities out and sharing the mountain experience. His ultimate goal is for to summit successfully. He is a certified mountain guide and has worked and guided extensively around East Africa, due to his outstanding work he has been invited by several clients to visit their home countries. Julius lives in Marangu village on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro with his family.

Susan Christopher

Susan is a trained medical officer and midwife. She fell with climbing when she was invited by a friend to hike on the foot. She brings a great level of enthusiasm and positive energy to the team. Susan is also one of our instructors in first aid and emergency medical care and helps the company reviewing safety standards. When with Susan you can be sure of you will have the safest and most enjoyable experience possible.