Just after midnight was when they woke us up on the final day to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The last seven hours of climbing took place in the dark to alleviate the feeling fear of going uphill during the final stretch.

Summiting the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, marked my second adventure experience with Gulf For Good after my first climb in the Himalayan Mountains. The seven-day hike to Africa’s highest peak was met with rocky terrain and chilling temperatures that dipped as low as negative 26 degrees Celsius and a challenge that required self-motivation, physical training, mental preparation and concentrated breathing.

 

“I wanted to teach myself to slow down and not t0 rush things.”

 

I focused on every step, while hiking in a single file up the monstrous mountain. It was like meditation. Although, I was with a group of people that I met for the first time on this trip, I was very engaged with myself. I was absorbed in my thoughts, because I decided from the beginning that I would go at my own pace. I wanted to teach myself to slow down and not to rush things.

The guide took notice. And, after we fueled up on breakfast at the base camp ahead of the final climb, he asked me to lead the group. I was taken by surprise on the idea, because there were much younger and faster climbers in the group. I didn’t want to delay anyone on the final day; therefore, I was hesitant about going first.

 

“You have to inspire yourself in order to inspire others.”

 

He told me: “In order to get everyone to the top, I need them to think about the moment, be in the present and focus on every step that is taken. I want them to think about their current movement, instead of rushing to the top like it’s a competition or a race.”

Under the glow of our headlamps, I lead the way on the ascent.  It was no easy feat. The tight air and frigid conditions at high altitude made every move up the peak a challenge on its own. However, the collective energy built up over the past seven days gave us the drive to make that final push to the top.

Arriving at the peak was one of the most breathtaking moments I’ve ever experienced. Watching the sunrise over the mountain combined with the clarity of the atmosphere made the world standstill for a moment. We only had limited time at the top to reflect and bask in our achievement before making our way down. However, it was there on the roof Africa at an altitude of 5681 meters was where I realized that you have inspire yourself in order to inspire others.