A 65 year old Kuwaiti's Account of Climbing Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro in all its romantic, majestic splendour.

It all started with casual conversations; a mutual friend, Thomas, had brought three guys together to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. 

Located in Tanzania, it is one of the world’s 7-summits:

· Asia: Everest (29,035' / 8,850m)
· South America: Aconcagua (22,834' / 6,960m)
· North America: Denali (20,310’ / 6,190m)
· Africa: Kilimanjaro (19,340' / 5,896m)
· Europe: Elbrus (18,513' / 5,642m)
· Oceania: Carstensz Pyramid (16,023' / 4,884m)


Thomas attempted it last year but had no memory of the final ascent due to altitude complications. This time he wanted to have a memorable climb with friends. 

And so it began.

The initial commitment of both Talal and Fawzi, the lengthy training and sourcing the necessary equipment. The weekly  2-4 hours walks at 05:30am up to 20 km, along with doing other personal training during the week – weights, aerobics, more walking, meditation. Equipment requirements were researched, and items purchased in Kuwait, Italy, USA and Dubai to ensure we had the very best available, with the boots being one of the most essential items.


Climbers on fast routes reach the summit of Kilimanjaro within 4-5 days. This was our plan – our team of 3. Even though it can make for a difficult trek with risk of altitude sickness, we were sure of ourselves. We arrived in Tanzania on February 21st, 2018. Our trekking journey started the next day via the Rongai Route and concluded on the 28th (5 days up, 2 days down).


Each day began early as we trekked for 4-5 hours and covered 5-8 km at an incline around 20% initially, reaching 50% incline the higher we ascended, to reach the next camp. We each had a personal guide – “Sipi Sipi” and “Poly Poly”, (sip, sip and slowly, slowly) was their chant and a team of 15 porters who set-up the camp each day, prepared our food, took it down the next day and repeated this every day. A wonderful group of strong, thoughtful and dedicated professionals, including one woman.

Part of the ascent.

The final ascent on day 5 started at 12: 30am from Kibo Hut camp (elev. 4, 710m). We all switched on our head torches and began what was to be a grueling climb. 

Triumphant.

Did I tell you that I’m almost 65 yrs old and never climbed in my life? My friends are in their 50’s. Fit as I am this was to be the most difficult test of my physical, emotional and spiritual strength. Fawzi had health issues and had to return back to camp. I made it to Gillman’s Point (elev. 5,681m). Thomas carried on to Uhuru Peak (elev. 5,895 m). The sunrise was magical; my breathing was painful; my drinking water was frozen; my accomplishment was thrilling…I made it! And we three guys have a friendship forever.

The beginning.

The return.

Story and photos courtesy of my friend, Talal Al Othman. I'm well impressed and look forward to hearing the full story over dinner soon. Bravo! What a great accomplishment.