Mount Kilimanjaro

The highest peak in Africa • 5,895 meters • Tanzania

The first time I summited a mountain was in mid-2018, following an impulse purchase of a place on an expedition to Africa’s tallest peak. While climbing Kilimanjaro does not involve ropes, ice axes and sheer climbs, it is nearly 6,000 meters high, so represents a considerable physical effort with a risk of altitude sickness.

We set off for the summit in darkness, and as I witnessed a view of sunrise on a high mountain for the first time, the sensation was uplifting. Reaching the top filled me with immense satisfaction. There was no doubt after this experience that I would continue to seek the thrill of summiting other iconic peaks. If there were technical feats to master, I would master them; if there was an ultra-high level of fitness to reach, I would achieve this; and if there were tests of determination, nerve and resilience to overcome, I would meet these challenges to the best of my ability.