Breaking for adventure: Climbing Kilimanjaro

Just over a year ago, in February 2024, Aaron embarked on a life-affirming journey to Tanzania, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with his sister, Dr Emma Schimann, who had just completed a stint with Médicins Sans Frontières (aka Doctors Without Borders) at a refugee camp within the country.

At 5,895 m (or 19,341 ft), Mount Kilimanjaro, affectionately known as ‘Kili’, stands as the highest peak in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world and is located within UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kilimanjaro National Park.

Aaron and his climbing group, a wonderful bunch hailing from across the globe, were led and supported by an outstanding team of 7 guides and 63 porters as they trekked the Lemosho Route, which starts on the western slopes and passes through a handful of different climatic zones.

‘Summit night’ – you walk the last 7 hours in the dark – was a bit gruelling, with the group hiking [read: shuffling], through thick clouds in -15° C (5° F) to reach the peak. But when the cloud cover did finally clear off, the views were indeed breathtaking – noting Aaron and his group were already a bit short on breath – and it was worth every step.

Aaron reflects on his experience:

“I’d be lying if I said I thought about work much that week. My family and friends, yes. But not work, very likely due to the fact there was zero internet access along the way. The whole trip served as a reminder that, at least for me, the best way to truly ‘get away’ is to disconnect, explore and challenge myself, especially in new ways.

I’m really grateful for the opportunity – and so glad I seized the opportunity – to go on this adventure with my sister. If my boys are keen to do it when they’re old enough, I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

Hot tip: If your tour operator offers a personal portable toilet option, take it. Aaron admits he was initially sceptical about a toilet being carried up and down the mountain, but it was money well spent. Not only did it make the journey more comfortable, but it also created one more local job in the process.