Climbing Kilimanjaro: A Birthday Adventure to Remember
In July, we took on one of the biggest challenges of our lives: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame route. What started as a birthday idea—my 40th and my Tessa's 50th—turned into an unforgettable journey with a group of 13 amazing people, all brought together by Life Changing Challenges.
Why Kilimanjaro?
We wanted to mark our milestone birthdays with something extraordinary. No fancy dinners or spa weekends—this was about pushing limits, embracing nature, and doing something that would stay with us forever.
The Machame Route: Beauty and Brutality
Known as the "Whiskey Route," Machame is scenic but tough. Each day brought new terrain, from lush rainforest to alpine desert. The altitude was relentless, and the cold crept in fast. But the camaraderie, the porters’ support, and the sheer beauty of the mountain kept us going.
Training & Altitude
Training beforehand is essential—you need a good level of fitness to take on the daily hikes and elevation gain. But no matter how fit you are, altitude changes everything. It affects your breathing and can make you feel unfit even when you're not. That’s where the guides came in—they were incredible, constantly checking our oxygen levels and keeping our spirits high.
Top Tip: Hire a Toilet Porter
Trust me on this—hire the toilet porter. It’s a game-changer for comfort and dignity, especially when nature calls in the middle of the night or during long treks.
Day 4: The Barranco Wall
This was the day that stole the show. The Barranco Wall, often dubbed the “Breakfast Wall,” was a thrilling scramble up a near-vertical rock face. It looked intimidating, but climbing it was exhilarating. Reaching the top felt like standing on the edge of the world.
Summit Night: The Final Push
Summit night began with a rude and freezing midnight awakening to start the final ascent. It was pitch black and bitterly cold, and every step felt heavier than the last. But as the sun began to rise, so did our spirits. The light brought warmth, hope, and a renewed sense of determination.
The climb to Stella Point was brutal—hours of slow, steep trekking through scree and ice. But reaching it felt like a victory in itself. From there, we pushed on to the Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro. The relief was overwhelming, and the views were absolutely breathtaking. We did it—all 13 of us successfully summited. A moment I’ll never forget.
The Support Team
The porters were superheroes—carrying gear, setting up camp, and always smiling. The food was surprisingly delicious and nourishing, giving us the energy we needed. The guides were the glue that held us together, watching over us and making sure we were safe, healthy, and motivated.
The Highs and Lows
It was the hardest thing we've ever done—mentally, physically, emotionally. But it was also the most rewarding. Every step tested us, but every sunrise, every laugh around camp, every shared struggle made it worth it.
Would We Do It Again?
Not a chance... or at least, that’s what we thought at the time.
The exhaustion, the altitude, the cold—it was brutal. But now, looking back, we have the best memories. We laughed, cried, climbed, and conquered. We made incredible friends, shared unforgettable moments, and proved to ourselves what we are capable of. Kilimanjaro changed us in ways we didn’t expect. Kilimanjaro taught us resilience, gratitude, and the power of shared goals. If you're thinking about it—do it. Just prepare well, respect the mountain, and don’t forget the toilet porter!
Guest blogger - Lisa Oddy
