The Journey

Growing up in Tanzania, the imposing presence of Mount Kilimanjaro shaped my childhood. Although I was born in Tanga, a coastal town some 300 kilometers away from Moshi, the hometown of the mountain, Kilimanjaro held a special fascination for me.

Even as a child, I often found myself pondering what it would be like to stand atop its peak. It wasn’t until years later, during a safari, that I discovered climbing Kilimanjaro was actually a tangible possibility.
With newfound determination, I whispered to myself, “One day, you will be there.”

After coming to America in my late teens, my dreams of conquering the mountain faded into the background. It wasn’t until I returned to Tanzania to celebrate my 55th birthday with family and friends that the spark reignited.

Sensing that the time was ripe, I resolved that it was now or never. Along with a group of friends, we embarked on what we dubbed “Mission Kili 2020,” aiming to summit the mountain in the summer of 2020. This endeavor involved exhaustive research on Kilimanjaro tour operators, intense study of climbing techniques, and rigorous physical training. We meticulously planned our ascent, undertaking long and strenuous hikes, engaging in core training exercises, and exchanging insights on essential gear.

Our preparations were proceeding smoothly until March 2020, when the disruptive arrival of the Coronavirus pandemic threw our plans into disarray. Travel restrictions brought our aspirations to a grinding halt, as global travel ground to a standstill for over two years.

Undeterred by this setback, I resolved to pursue my dream with even greater determination. In the autumn of 2022, I made a firm decision: I would summit Mount Kilimanjaro to mark my 60th birthday on July 2, 2023.

Finally, the opportunity to achieve my lifelong ambition of conquering Africa’s highest peak and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain was within reach!