From Peaks of Knowledge to Peaks of Africa: A Journey to the Summit of Kilimanjaro
On 19 July, a group of us—INSEAD alumni—reached the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain at 5,895 metres.
For some, this climb was yet another adventure; for others, it was the first. It was also a culmination of hard work, hours of training, and discipline leading up to the trip. The climb started long before we landed in Tanzania.
The adventure
Over seven days, we trekked approximately 70-80km through diverse climates—from rainforest to volcanic dust—all while facing emotional highs and lows. We gained 3,800 meters in elevation, with temperatures dropping to -13°C at the summit during the final ascent night. Sleeping in tents with the sounds of birds singing or frogs croaking was both exciting and challenging. The steep climbs and our fitness levels tested us daily. Altitude sickness, cold, nausea, and headaches were constant companions, especially during the most challenging part of the climb a few hours before sunrise.
"What was remarkable to me was how strongly we stayed together. When the path seemed never-ending, we encouraged, pushed, and pulled each other to take just one more step and then another.
The summit
Summit celebrations are always short. Some hot tea, quick photos, hugs, and words of congratulations, and we were on our way down. It is too cold to stay for long. The six-hour downhill hike to descend after the summit was tough but filled with a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie.
Now back home—surrounded by the luxury of hot showers, a real bed, and a house instead of a tent—climbing Kilimanjaro wasn't just about reaching the top; it was about overcoming our fears, pushing our beliefs just a little further, and, most importantly, building stronger bonds. The empathy, sincerity, and desire to help and support were beautiful and unique to experience.
What are some of my key reflections?
Preparation, grit, and determination are critical for success.
Some of us were stronger, and some were weaker. Some had never done anything like that in their entire lives. However, we were all determined, accomplished, successful professionals, and it showed. Our motivation, positive attitude, and group spirit carried some of us to the top.
Giving up was never an option. We all discovered our true strength and were rewarded with the breathtaking view of the clouds beneath us.
I am very thankful to the organiser of our expedition, Sean Burgess, for all the support—we could never have done this alone! Despite our struggles with our backpacks, the porters, who carried much heavier loads at great speed, always greeted us with smiles and readiness to help. Their professionalism in such challenging conditions was genuinely awe-inspiring.
We now have transitioned back to our everyday lives; the physical soreness is gone, and wind burns have faded. The phones are back on (the airplane mode for seven days was something I had not done in decades), and life goes on.
What remains is the knowledge that we all have the mental grit when required to have the push. That kindness helped us overcome darkness and physical and mental challenges. We will remember that humour, positive chitchat, and extending a hand when the other needed it were what got us to the top.
When the idea was born, I didn't know what to expect. I didn't know if anyone would join me on this crazy adventure. Now, ten months later, not only did 13 others join, but the overall experience exceeded all my expectations.
The spirit of #INSEAD extends beyond the classroom. We didn't just earn degrees; we gained a lifelong community. We attended classes to elevate our careers or lives; we climbed the mountain to elevate ourselves.
For some bucket list, for some lifelong dream, for some another challenge – no matter what it was, we all did it. I could not be more proud to be part of the community of incredible INSEADERS. Next time – we will do it again, and this time not only to test ourselves but also to support a good cause. #forceforgood.
Join us! To Peaks & Pauses!
#inseadmoments #inseadalumni #kilimanjaro
