Papua New Guinean adventurer and lawyer Steward Thoke has become the first citizen of the country to successfully reach the summit of Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, marking a milestone for PNG mountaineering.
Thoke reached Uhuru Peak, 5,895 meters above sea level, at 7am on Saturday, August 1, after completing the challenging Lemosho Route.
In doing so, he also became the first Papua New Guinean to achieve a certified summit of Africa’s highest peak, according to available documented records.
The climb tested his physical endurance and mental strength as he battled freezing temperatures, high altitude and difficult terrain. Along the way, he successfully reached both Stella Point (5,756m) and the mountain’s highest point, Uhuru Peak (5,895m), where he proudly raised the Papua New Guinea flag.
The achievement followed months of preparation and determination after an earlier attempt in 2024 ended when he was forced to turn back because of altitude sickness.
Speaking to PNG SUN after the climb, Thoke said reaching the summit was more than a personal accomplishment.
“I wanted to prove that no matter where you come from, you can achieve something extraordinary if you are willing to work hard and never give up,” he also wrote this on a Facebook post.
Originally from Lenki village in Wabag, Enga Province, Thoke said the inspiration for the climb came from lessons he learned while growing up in his village with his grandfathers.
“I spent a lot of time around my grandfathers growing up in the village. They always taught us, the young ones, that each new generation must dream differently,” he said.
“People pursue different things in life. This is my life. This is my dream.”
Mr. Thoke said the experience reinforced the importance of resilience and persistence in pursuing ambitious goals.
Unlike previous Papua New Guineans who have claimed to have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Thoke said his achievement was formally documented and verified through certification issued by park authorities confirming his successful summit of Uhuru Peak.
He noted that available public records document only a handful of Papua New Guinean attempts on the mountain.
While he acknowledged and respected all previous climbers who had taken on the challenge, he said no publicly available certification or documentation currently confirms an earlier Papua New Guinean summit of Uhuru Peak.
Thoke stressed that his comments were made with respect for fellow climbers and that he would gladly withdraw his claim if evidence of an earlier certified Papua New Guinean summit were produced.
He said proper documentation was important because it created a credible historical record and would inspire confidence in future Papua New Guinean adventurers.
Thoke expressed deep gratitude to those who supported his journey over three separate attempts to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro.
He thanked his employer, Mande Hubert Namani and Namani & Associates, for their financial support and for granting him leave on each of his three expeditions.
He also acknowledged the people of Wabag, through the Wabag District Development Authority and local MP Hon. Lino J. Tom, for backing his dream when many other government agencies and departments did not respond to his requests for assistance.
Thoke further thanked Ultimax Security Services Limited and Collin Kopyoto for providing sponsorship after many other businesses declined or were unable to assist.
He said their support demonstrated the importance of investing in people with bold aspirations.
The single father hopes his achievement will inspire more Papua New Guineans, especially young people, to dream beyond their circumstances, embrace difficult challenges and represent Papua New Guinea proudly on the global stage.
“This climb is proof that with determination, preparation and the support of others, impossible dreams can become reality,” he said.