My Experience Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro: Kirsty's Story
Kirsty has recently come back from the ultimate hiking challenge: 7 days of intense trekking through dense tropical rainforests, moorland, glaciers to summit one of the most impressive mountains in the world: the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro!
Her and our amazing group of challengers pushed through long days, cold nights, and high altitude to reach Uhuru Peak.
Want to know what it’s really like to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? We caught up with her to hear all about her journey.
Hi Kirsty! Congratulations for successfully summiting Kilimanjaro! It looks like you had an incredible time.
Have you ever done anything like this before?
I have used Global Adventure Challenges several times now, completing some of the big UK challenges. But never anything adventurous abroad! It had been 10 years since I’d last been outside the UK.
Why did you choose to climb Kilimanjaro for your charity challenge?
I’d been curious about doing overseas adventures for a while. This year, my 40th birthday was coming up, so I thought what better way to remember it than by pushing myself to do something a bit crazy!
Did you fundraise for a charity?
While climbing Kilimanjaro, I wanted to help two local causes that are close to my heart.
My first cause was fundraising for the children at Chilton Foliat Primary School. They wanted to open a new forest school area for their children to enjoy the outdoors and learn vital skills.
My second cause was Newbury Soup Kitchen who work to provide meals and vital resources for the homeless and vulnerable people.
Overall I raised just over £1260!
How did you train to climb Kilimanjaro?
I normally go to the gym five days a week, so I adapted my routine to focus on strength training and some cardio, as I knew I needed a strong back, knees and legs for the challenge.
To help to build up my resilience for long distances, I walked along my local stretch of canal with my partner covering 18 to 19 miles with a 5kg day pack all the way.
I also wore my boots out as much as I could to look for hotspots or any other issues they might have.
What were you most nervous about before the trip?
I was very nervous before the trip. The thought of leaving my family to travel to another country with complete strangers was terrifying!
I had a few questions swirling around my head. Would the food be OK as I'm so fussy? Could I really do it?
But the biggest anxiety for me was the altitude sickness. I did lots of research on this, but it was the uncertainty of if I was going to suffer that scared me. To help, I continued to do research and joined a few Kilimanjaro Facebook groups to help put my mind at ease.
What would you say was the highlight of the trekking Mount Kilimanjaro?
Every day was fantastic, but for me the main highlight was definitely making it to the summit. I learned a lot about myself that day; how strong I was both mentally and physically, and how the power of great resilience and sheer determination got me there. I'm so proud of myself for getting on with it and embracing the experience.
How did you find walking up the mountain itself?
It's so exciting going through all the different climatic zones. Especially the dense rainforest where the air is thick and fresh! The higher you go the more the views open up, it's just incredible.
The skies at night are absolutely stunning. I even saw the Milky Way on my first night! Particularly, the skies at Barafu camp are out of this world, there are shooting stars wherever you look!
What kept you going when things got tough?
There were a few things that kept me going throughout the trip.
Each day, I was motivated to make it to the next camp so I could get enough signal to send and receive messages from home. They really meant a lot.
Before the trip, my daughter drew me a nice picture in my Mother's Day card that I then had tattooed on my arm which I looked at daily to remind myself “I could do it” “ I've got this”.
Lastly, the children at Chilton Foliat Primary School had made me a banner to fly at the summit. I knew I had to try my very best to get that flag to the top, as they were all cheering me on back home.
Was there anything that surprised you about trekking Kilimanjaro?
The food was unbelievable considering where we were, there was an amazing variety provided and we all ate so well. I loved all the tea stops along the way as well with the Milo and the ginger biscuits, they were a really nice homely touch.
I also have to mention the porters. What an incredible bunch of people they are - transporting the whole camp from one place to another each day. I am so thankful for them as our trip wouldn't have been possible.
How were the Global Adventure Challenge leaders?
From the minute I met him, our Global Adventure Challenges leader Steve was so welcoming, calming and was so knowledgeable.
Ashante Tours was the group we hiked with whilst in Tanzania. They were so friendly, kind, caring and genuinely interested in all of us as a group, nothing was too much bother! I've since been recommending them to everyone I know.
How did you bond with your fellow trekkers?
I was so incredibly lucky with my group. Our ages ranged from 23 years up to 61 years, but from the minute that we all met we just clicked.
Throughout the trek we all dipped in and out of conversations during the days then in the evenings we would all come together in the mess tent, reflect and gather our thoughts and feelings after each day. It was lovely.
Each person bought something unique to the group and I'm so thankful to them for making this trip an absolute pleasure.
How has climbing Mount Kilimanjaro changed your life?
The whole experience fills me with pride. I proved to myself that I’m physically and mentally stronger than I ever imagined. After this experience I now feel like there's nothing I can't do!
To be able to tell everyone “I've been to Kilimanjaro” is a dream come true. All the images are forever etched in my mind. The whole experience was incredible. Hopefully I’m inspiring somebody somewhere. One day I’d love it if my daughter followed in my footsteps chasing her own adventures!
As someone who is generally a solo hiker, doing this trek with a group taught me to trust the process, learn to open up to like minded people and embrace the local culture. I switched off from day-to-day stresses which I usually struggle to do but it was so lovely to have seven days of something completely different.
Would you recommend this challenge?
Absolutely, yes. From the moment that you sign up you are in good hands. The customer service is fantastic. Before your trip you get an online portal to log in with all your trip information and the supporting documents and flights were great. I even did camel trekking on site whilst waiting for my airport transfer. That was the perfect ending to my trip!
It was my first time in Africa and Tanzania was a very welcoming place to visit, everything about it is just brilliant.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of doing this challenge?
Don't look back in years to come and say “I wish I did that”. Look back in years to come and say “I did do that!”
I think if you have a dream you should just go for it. Trekking Kilimanjaro is not just about getting to the summit, it's about embracing the whole experience. Go into it with a good positive attitude and never doubt yourself. You are stronger than you think!
Thank you so much, Kirsty. We’re so glad you had such an incredible and life-changing experience! We hope to see you on your next adventure soon!
How to climb Mount Kilimanjaro
If you have any questions about our Mount Kilimanjaro Trek then give us a call on 01244 676454 or email us! We’d love to see you join us on an adventure.
Or simply click the button below to view our challenge information, including dates, costs and a full challenge itinerary:
Conquer Mount Kilimanjaro in 2026 or 2027
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