Mount Kilimanjaro

On July 23, 2021 at 7:05AM, after 5 days of climbing, I reached the Summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.

In July 2021, I embarked on a challenging hike up Mount Kilimanjaro with my friends Adam and Aaron, led by our experienced guides Cababy and Amadeus. The sun shone down on us as we prepared to set off, eager and a little nervous about the journey ahead. As we began our ascent, the first few days were tough, with steep inclines and rocky paths to navigate. However, with the guidance of our experienced guides, we managed to make steady progress. Each night, we rested in tents under the stars, enjoying the company of our fellow climbers and the stunning views of the mountain range. As we climbed higher and higher, the air grew thinner, and the temperature dropped. Altitude sickness began to set in, and we could all feel the effects taking hold. Adam was hit particularly hard, struggling to catch his breath and losing his balance at times. It was clear that the climb was taking a toll on his body. Despite the difficulties, we refused to give up. With the encouragement of Cababy and Amadeus, we kept pushing forward. Every step seemed like a monumental effort, but we were determined to make it to the summit. The final push to the summit was the most challenging of all. The path was steep and slippery, and the air was thin and icy. Adam was finding it increasingly difficult to keep moving forward. Every step seemed like a monumental effort, and he was forced to stop frequently to catch his breath. But despite his struggles, Adam refused to give up. He kept pushing forward, determined to make it to the top. And with the help of Cababy and Amadeus, we managed to reach the summit together. The sense of relief and accomplishment was overwhelming. We had all faced the challenge head-on, and Adam's determination had helped us reach the summit. As we descended back down the mountain, we reflected on the incredible journey we had been on. When we finally reached the bottom of the mountain, we were greeted by our support team who had prepared a feast for us. We enjoyed a large BBQ, celebrating our achievement with delicious food and Kilimanjaro beers. As we sat around the campfire, we shared stories of our climb and reflected on the incredible journey we had been on. It was a surreal moment, and we felt a strong bond between us after what we had been through together. The next morning, we said goodbye to Cababy and Amadeus, grateful for their guidance and support during our climb. We left Tanzania with a sense of accomplishment and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. It was an experience that we would never forget, and one that we would cherish for the rest of our lives.