Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was a lifelong goal for Marine veteran and Las Vegas police officer Andy Williams — and what better way to celebrate retirement than by reaching that lofty peak? After 26 years of dedicated service, Andy took his first steps toward Uhuru Peak in February 2021. For him, it was an emotional and spiritual journey. “I wanted to do something bigger than me. I wanted to do something extraordinary,” Andy shared. “It’s a nice restart to a new life of being retired.” Andy chose the Machame route for his 7-day trek, a route that offers plenty of acclimatization time and a nighttime summit bid. Like all Kilimanjaro routes, Machame passes through five distinct climate zones, from tropical rainforest to frozen tundra. It’s one of the most accessible, budget-friendly, yet consistently challenging among the world’s Seven Summits. Andy is no stranger to challenges — beyond his police work, he served in the Marines. But reaching such high altitudes was a new experience. “I’ve jumped out of planes before, but the highest I’ve been is 15,000 feet,” he said. “I’ve never climbed this high.” To prepare, Andy trained regularly with hikes on Nevada’s Mt. Charleston and used his Peloton to stay in shape.

“Pole, Pole” — Slowly, Slowly

Right from the start, Andy knew the mental aspect was key. On day one, he walked over 44,000 steps — nearly 20 miles. “Day one kicked my butt,” he laughed. “That mountain is no joke. I learned I needed to take my time.” In Tanzania, climbers hear the phrase pole, pole — “slowly, slowly.” Summit success depends on climbing at a pace that’s comfortable for you. The guides walk alongside you, encouraging breaks, snacks, and steady progress. Luckily, Andy didn’t struggle much with acclimatization. His biggest challenge was mental. “This trip was more about mindset,” he said. “The guides have done this so many times, and if you don’t listen to them, you won’t succeed. But by the end, we became like brothers.” Andy’s head guides were all certified Wilderness First Responders with over 100 professional summits each.

Conquering the Barranco Wall

On day four, Andy tackled the Barranco Wall — an 843-foot rocky slope on Kilimanjaro’s side. Hail, sleet, snow, wind, and chill challenged him, but he drew strength from his military mindset. The Navy SEAL motto helped push him through: “The only easy day was yesterday.” “One foot in front of the other, day by day,” he said. “The end of the day feels easy because you finished it.”

The Summit Bid

At 10 p.m. on day six, Andy and his group woke, ate a quick meal, and set off for the summit. Equipped with a headlamp, he navigated the lava flows beyond Barafu Camp at 15,000 feet to reach Uhuru Peak at 19,341 feet. “It felt like a never-ending mountain,” Andy recalled. “But when you see the sunrise and the light coming through, it’s motivating. It gives you the push to keep going.” As dawn broke over Kilimanjaro, Andy and his team took breaks for snacks and followed their guides’ advice closely. Then, finally, he reached the summit. The breathtaking view over Tanzania moved him deeply. “I got a little choked up,” he admitted. “Up there, you think about family, coworkers, and friends you’ve lost. It all hits you at once — and the happiness that you made it because some don’t.” Andy exchanged an American flag with an assistant guide and gave his Marine Corps flag to the head guide — a meaningful gesture to honor his service and the guides’ support. “To me, it’s like giving part of myself to them,” he said. “I can’t praise the guides enough. They’re tough, hardworking, and humble.” How do you celebrate reaching the Roof of Africa? With a dance full of joy and pride! Ready to start your own Kilimanjaro adventure? Book your unforgettable safari experience with I Artist Adventure today!