From Platberg to Kilimanjaro – Harry Loots

Harry Loots was born in Harrismith in South Africa, where he took his first steps up a mountain. He has lived and worked and climbed in South Africa, the UK, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Hong Kong, and Switzerland.

He lives in Zürich in Switzerland with his girlfriend, Barbara. They spend weekends and holidays in the mountains. Harry shares their experiences in his blog, Mountain paths.

His three children are all grown up. He’s a proud grandad to six lively young people. Some of whom may become climbers…

Harry leads trips to African mountains: to connect people who love the mountains. The guides and porters, who support his expeditions, get a wage worthy of their efforts. (Sadly, many of the guides, cooks and porters are desperate for work, and will work for a quarter or less of what they should be paid. Often, they have to provide their own food and equipment while on the mountain, so that the less ethical tour operators can put extra money in their own pockets.)

He specialises in trips to the Sahara Desert, Uganda’s Rwenzori mountains, and the lesser trekked routes on Kilimanjaro (Northern Circuit and Western Breach).

His company is called Walk in Wild Places, and he would love to help you get to the top of Africa’s mountains.