By Louise Roxlin

I climbed Kilimanjaro – Africa´s highest point, the world’s highest free standing mountain and one of the world’s largest volcanos – 5 895m (19 341 feet) above sea level

Since 2016 I nurtured a dream to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Living in Pattaya at that time, I was inspired by David Cole, a good friend (also an expat in Thailand) and an adventurer, who climbed all the highest mountains on each continent, called the ”Seven Summits”.Mount Kilimanjaro is one of those mountains that you actually don’t have to climb technically. You can reach the top by ”hiking”. There are 7 official routes up the mountain but in general, the longer it takes the bigger chance to succeed and avoid altitude sickness or other negative side effects of being at heights with low oxygen levels.

 The 22nd of January 2025, I left Sweden together with group of 16. Guided with firm and loving hand by Ola Skinnarmo (owner of a travel company focusing on adventure trips – ”Expeditionsresor”) and Andreas Mattisson. Ola Skinnarmo, who, in his younger days, made big headlines by skiing alone both to the South and the North Pole. A challenge few others have succeed in doing. Choosing the ”Machame Route” up the mountain, it took us 5 days to reach the summit and 2 days down. By following a rigid training program prior to our arrival in Tanzania, we were all as prepared, as we could be, to meet the challenge lying ahead of us. Supported by local guides and porters we went ”pole pole” – which in Swahili means ”slowly slowly” to be able to reach our goal. On our way to the top, we passed through 5 different climate zones consisting of a cultivation zone, montane rainforest, alpine desert, ice cap zone and arctic tundra with a gorgeous snow covered top at Uhuru Peak which is the highest point on the mountain. The specter in terms of climate zones goes from being at the Equator traveling to the North Pole. Sad to say, 85% of the glacial ice at the top has from 1912 until 2011 disappeared.

Unfortunately the weather Gods were not on our side. On the mountain we faced heavy rain, thunder, snow, hailstorm and a minimum of sun but the amazing and positive attitude in our group and a ”Hakuna Matata” mindset we saw no problems and just embraced our challenges. On summit night though, we were all rewarded with a starry sky, no wind and perfect temperature conditions for a great climb to 5895m and Uhuru Peak! So after 5 days of gradually climbing through different climate zones it was finally time for us to try to reach the summit. Quite nervous and exited we left Base Camp at 23.00 p.m and reached Stella Point at around 08.00 a.m. Then we gradually hiked the last 140m of altitude to Uhuru Peak and with a clear blue sky surrounding us, we reached our goal. Excited and full of positive energy we had at that point, forgotten that we had an approximate 12h walk back to camp before any rest, meaning we would be physical active on a hard scale level for a total of 42h. Say no more!

This was an extreme challenge for me with so many aspects to be accounted for as I never been at this altitude before. Not only a physical challenge but also a psychological one. The factor of uncertainty is always a challenge in it self. How will your body react to the low oxygen levels, do you have the right equipment, how cold will it be? Endless questions that I now know the answer to.To be well prepared taking on a challenge like this is of great importance. You need to invest in good quality gear that will keep you dry when exposed to bad and rough weather conditions. That is with no doubt a life saver. High quality tents, sleeping bags that can handle -12 degrees and sleeping mats. All your gear needs to be packed in waterproof packing bags to protect everything from being wet as the mountain dictates its own weather and changes from hour to hour.

We were allowed to bring no more than 10kg of our personal belongings, in total 17kg covering all equipment. This bag was day by day, carried by our porters from camp to camp all the way up to the Base Camp and then back down again. ”The heroes of Kilimanjaro” with no doubt. In our own daypack we carried rain gear, gloves, extra warm clothes (temperature at the top can reach below minus 30 and be extremely windy), extra nutrition, sun screen and a minimum of 4l of water. In total around 10kg.It is extremely important to drink a lot reaching higher altitude, eat and sleep well and stay focused on your breathing. At times you loose your appetite, your stomach is in chaos, you have head ache and feel a total loss of energy as the low pressure of oxygen, affects you in so many different ways. Twice a day our saturation and pulse were checked, to see how our system handled the high altitude. My lowest saturation was 73% which is quite low (normal saturation ranges between 96-100%) but normal at some points of the climb. I suffered mostly from a high pulse and woke up a few times during nigh due to this.

We had the luxury of having our own ”toilets” brought up the mountain. Even a small water pump was installed so we could wash our hands. All to keep high hygienic standards and avoid any bad stomachs. Every time when reaching another camp we were met with warm towels (like in a first class hotell) to wash our face and hands. No shower for 7 days was a new experience and actually no issue what so ever. Food was prepared on the mountain. Tables, chairs, table cloths, food and all kitchen wear were transported from camp to camp, just to serve us with the most lovely food ever. Always a three course dinner with soup, main course and fruit. We had porridge in the mornings, scrambled eggs and bacon and sometimes even pancakes. Wake up call consisted of a knock on the tent canvas and someone kindly asking if we wanted tea or coffee. I have no words for how well taken care of we were!

I had a goal: to reach the top of Kilimanjaro, and I did, but I would never have been able to do it alone! The amazing guides and porters played a big part in me succeeding in reaching that goal. They are the true heroes of Mount Kilimanjaro! Their commitment to my success is hard to put into words and still hard for me to grasp. I climbed that mountain once, they have done it and will do it so many times more! I had hesitated and wondered if I had what it takes? I had… and I would never have found out if I hadn’t have tried! It was hard and it was challenging. I dug deep and found sides and aspects of myself I didn’t know existed and I experienced how extremely rewarding it is to be outside your comfort zone. On average 30 000 people each year try to climb Kilimanjaro. 65% of them succeed. I was one of them. With this story, I really hope I can inspire someone else to reach out and fullfil the dreams they have but not really had the courage to realise. Do it! Life is to short to wait until tomorrow! Hakuna matata!