It’s been a month since we returned from Kilimanjaro, and the world is now a quite different place. People panic buying in supermarkets and squabbling over toilet rolls and pasta makes me think how people in the western world really don’t appreciate a lot of the things they have. Casting my mind back to Tanzania and how kind and friendly all the local people were, when they had next to nothing every day of their lives, is a real eye opener when you witness what is going on here right now.

Anyway, onto the blog…

Climbing Kilimanjaro is likely the biggest accomplishment I have achieved in my life, filled with highs and lows, and everything in between. From the starting stresses of missed flights and missing luggage, to the ultimate high of reaching the summit of Uhuru Peak, some 5895m above sea level, all of it was amazing, and something I would recommend to anyone.

Climbing, eating, relaxing and sharing the trip with the members of Team Ubuntu (Ana, Ernesto, Kati, Kirstin, Kirsty, Paul L, Paul M, Rickkie, Rob, Rodri, Rolf)  – I couldn’t have asked for a better group of team mates. Laughs and jokes were free flowing, and we were all there for each other in those moments of lows you’re bound to experience when you’re out of your comfort zone and so far from home. Mike and Christine, our guides, were a tremendous help, and would answer any question you had with an honest answer. The team of local porters and guides were likely the biggest heroes. Carrying all the bags, tents, food, water and more besides, and still going more than twice our speed up the mountain, and then setting camp up for our arrival every day. Truly incredible.

I was lucky in that I didn’t seem to have any side effects from the altitudes we reached, and aside from not getting a lot of sleep at night, I was pleased how I managed the physical side of the trek. All my training must’ve meant something! Summit day was the toughest test of all the days up Kili, but getting to the top, and on the anniversary of my father’s passing too, was quite something. I shed a tear or two, I’m not afraid to admit. The highlight of the trip for me was likely the freedom of the whole adventure, living away from the outside world and it being just you and the mountain. Coming back down through the rainforest, there was a period of about 45 minutes or so when I was walking alone, with a bit of distance built up between me and anyone either in front or behind of me. This was truly magical, when it was just me and the jungle, and all its noises and sights. I loved it!

One other thing I can definitely take away from this trip is my new found love for the great outdoors. I cycle and run, but never have I really hiked. Now however, I am quite the fan, and will hopefully plan holidays and weekends away with the family, getting us all out of our comfort zones and Netflix and YouTube. Heck, we might even talk more to each other! 🙂

And finally…

Thanks must go to Autovista for giving us the opportunity of a lifetime – thanks to Lindsey, Clare, Michelle, Sarah, Kelly, Kirstin, Beth, Pippa and whoever else helped organise the trips (apologies if I have forgotten any names!). A million thanks also to my sponsors, all 115 of you. Unicef will greatly benefit from all the money donated, both for my individual efforts and all those of my team mates.