Kilimanjaro: Speed Ascent & Hakuna Matata

Since childhood, I've dreamed of climbing Kilimanjaro in Africa! The enchanting land is filled with wilderness, wildlife, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking scenery!

Booking this trip and experiencing it in July 2009 was a dream come true. I enjoyed climbing Kili and meeting the local people so much that I decided to spend another two months traveling overland in East Africa. This journey will take me from Tanzania to Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and finally to Zanzibar on the beach.

But first things first, I was booked to climb Kili via Umbwe route, the shortest and steepest. The reason I chose this route was because I was already well acclimatised from spending five weeks in Nepal.

My guide Adam, whom I met in Moshi to discuss our trip, suggested we do a speed ascent given I was fit, young and well acclimatised. (I had just raced Mt Everest marathon, 42 km at BaseCamp, and I ended up winning in the international category, so I was feeling pretty fit.)

I immediately said Yes as I was thinking it will give me more time to see East Africa.

To be honest, the next few days were a blur. Adam had organised his team to store our gear and set up camp for after we finish the climb to rest and eat. The weather looked perfect. And, I was ready to go. I remember my small, orange Deuter backpack (I still have it!) and my adidas tights and a white jacket, and that was pretty much it! I had no special glasses or goggles, or fancy gear at a time. Not even a sport watch.

Umbwe route is quite steep and rocky, but we managed to make good time and reach the summit sometime around 4 am. All I remember is that I was falling asleep at one section and feeling extremely cold (I did not own a parka jacket at this point; didn't have one on EBC either. So Adam loaned me his for the last 45 min to the summit!)

We snapped a summit picture and quickly ran down. That woke me up as it was super fun sliding through volcanic lava to the basecamp. Weeeee!

My First Volcanic Summit done! Hakuna Matata.

I had the best experience back in 2009 on the less crowded path and cannot wait to take my family there one day!

Off to eight weeks of Overlanding Adventures I go. If you have the time to do, again, I cannot recommend it highly enough! It's life changing.

In the jungle the mighty jungle...!

What an experience, from witnessing the Great Migration in Serengeti Park to Masai Mara, exploring the lush landscapes of Uganda, rafting on the Nile, and returning to the stunning beaches of Zanzibar!