TRAVEL MEMOIRS
Conquering Kilimanjaro
My journey to the roof of Africa
Climbing Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Tanzania was an adventure I had eagerly anticipated for months. To prepare, I hiked mountains in the Philippines and Malaysia, hoping to build my stamina. However, nothing could have truly prepared me for the challenges ahead.
Our journey began with a suggestion from my tour guide to take a Diamox tablet to prevent altitude sickness. I took the tablet as recommended, but my husband didn’t. Soon after we started our hike, I felt unusually tired.
Each morning, my body was already exhausted, and as we ascended, I found myself increasingly breathless. The five-day hike was grueling. Even after a night’s rest, waking up in the tent felt like a monumental task. My body was heavy, and I was constantly fighting nausea, unable to keep any food down.
I carried a backpack filled with water and energy bars, but the thought of eating those bars never crossed my mind.
Reaching Stella’s Point, the lowest of the three peaks of Kilimanjaro. The last night of getting good rest before ascending the Uhuru peak was a significant milestone. But I remember little of it as I passed out from sheer exhaustion and cold.
