Day One: A Drive To The Serengeti
We booked a three-day safari, starting with a drive through the renowned Serengeti National Park before heading back through the Ngorongoro Crater. Our first day involved an early start, filled with anticipation. Just hours into our journey, we were thrilled to see giraffes gracefully crossing the road, offering a taste of the wildlife that awaited us.

During our lunch break in the Ngorongoro area, we were delighted by an unexpected visitor—an elephant that wandered close to our picnic spot. After a bumpy ride, we arrived at our luxury camp, where the evening brought us face to face with lions, hyenas, zebras, hippos, and more. The accommodations exceeded our expectations, and after a delicious dinner, we were escorted to our tents, advised to stay inside due to the roaming wildlife at night. As we drifted off to sleep, the sounds of the African wilderness surrounded us, making for a truly magical experience.

Day Two: Immersed In Wildlife

Our second day allowed us to explore at a more leisurely pace. Guided by our knowledgeable tour guide, Ronald, we ventured deeper into the parklands. We were rewarded with unforgettable encounters with leopards, cheetahs, and numerous lions. Ronald was a wealth of knowledge, eagerly answering our questions and sharing insights about the flora and fauna. By the end of the day, we felt fulfilled and excited as we made our way to a lodge overlooking the Ngorongoro Crater.

Day 3: Exploring Ngorogoro Crater

Upon arriving at the crater, we were immediately drawn into the action, witnessing a lion feasting on a wildebeest. We spotted elephants, flamingos, and even a few rhinos in the distance. The scenery was stunning, vibrant with green landscapes and varied terrain, making for a fitting conclusion to our remarkable safari experience.

Reflecting on the Journey

While our safari was extraordinary, the travel involved was quite tiring. A day to rest and break up the journey would have made the experience even better. Alternatively, flying to a closer destination rather than Kilimanjaro could also help reduce transit time, allowing for a more relaxed adventure.

Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world and the tallest point in Africa, this was the pinnacle of our adventure in Tanzania. This majestic peak was the main reason for our visit, and it did not disappoint.

Climbing with Nafika Tours

We chose Nafika Tours for our trek, and their support throughout the climb was exceptional. We embarked on the six-night Lemosho route, which turned out to be an excellent choice. Our private group consisted of 12 climbers, supported by an incredible team of 36 Nafika staff members. This included porters who carried our tents and luggage, a chef who prepared delicious meals, and charismatic guides who motivated us every step of the way.

The Challenge of Altitude

The primary challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro is the altitude. While the trek isn’t overly technical, the change in elevation can take a toll on your body. Starting in warm, sunny Africa and ascending to the icy glaciers at the summit means that packing the right gear is crucial. Our packing list seemed extensive at first, but it was necessary to prepare for the varying conditions we would encounter, including four seasons in just a few days.

The Lemosho route boasts one of the highest success rates, but altitude sickness is a common hurdle. I along with a couple of other in our group, experienced symptoms like intense headaches and dizziness. Despite this, we persevered, encouraged by our guides and teammates.

A Journey Through Diverse Landscapes

The trek itself was incredibly enjoyable, with varied terrains that kept the experience fresh and exciting. We started in the lush rainforest, where we spotted different varieties of monkeys, and progressed through the moorland zone, alpine desert, and finally the Arctic zone above 5,000 meters. The local saying, “pole pole,” meaning “slowly, slowly,” became our mantra, as it emphasises the importance of a gradual ascent to maximize our chances of success.

Each day brought new sights, and by the second day, we found ourselves above the clouds, enjoying breathtaking views of the landscape below.

Battling Altitude Sickness

To combat altitude sickness, many climbers, including us, took Diamox, a commonly prescribed medication. This, combined with a slow ascent and altitude adjustment techniques, helped us acclimatize. Safety was a priority, with our blood oxygen levels checked daily to ensure we were fit to continue.

Preparation and Training

Our group was quite fit, with everyone maintaining a regular exercise routine before the climb. Renee and I had been running, and I incorporated cardio into my gym workouts. This preparation paid off as we tackled the mountain.

The Ascent To The Summit

On our fifth night, we arrived at Barafu Base Camp, situated at about 4,700 meters. We reached camp early in the afternoon and planned to rest before waking up at 10 PM for a “breakfast” of sorts before our summit attempt. Climbing in the dark, guided by headlamps, we formed a single-file line for the challenging 6-7 hour ascent, aiming to reach the summit for sunrise.

I won’t sugarcoat it—this was the most challenging experience of my life. The encouragement and guidance from our guides made all the difference, and I have immense respect for those who work on the mountain, repeating this journey time and again.

The Reward Of Reaching The Summit

Reaching the summit was one of the most rewarding moments I’ve ever experienced. A whirlwind of emotions washed over me, culminating in a profound sense of accomplishment. We spent about an hour at the top, soaking in the spectacular views over Tanzania and Kenya before beginning our descent. The return journey was steep and strenuous, capping off an incredible 14 hours of hiking.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a journey like no other—challenging yet immensely rewarding, and I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. If you’re considering this adventure, prepare well, pace yourself, and soak in every moment of this unforgettable trek!