Kilimanjaro group at the Umbwe Route gate: The group prepares to start the trek at the Umbwe Gate in June 2010 We talk a lot about what happens before and during your Mount Kilimanjaro trek. But what happens after the trek? What happens when your goal is behind you, when you’ve finally showered and taken off your boots? What happens when you’re home, back at work on a regular Monday? When you start planning your next adventure? What happens weeks, months, or even years after such a defining moment? As it turns out, Kilimanjaro leaves such an impact that even ten years post-trek, it’s still with you. A group of strangers joined one of our Kilimanjaro treks on the Umbwe Route in June 2010. Last month marked the ten-year anniversary of their climb, so they decided to reunite (virtually) to reminisce about their time on the Roof of Africa. Zoom screenshot of the Kilimanjaro reunion: Zoom call in June 2020 Seven of the ten in their group chatted over Zoom, sharing insights on what their trek meant to them all these years later. Regardless of initial expectations, Kilimanjaro became a defining moment for many and is something they still think about regularly. They reflected on the people who were beside them... Solo trekker admires the view at the top of the Barranco Wall Our small trekking groups are often made up of a variety of people. Some come with lifelong friends or family, and others embark on a solo adventure of their own. Together, everyone gets to know the guides and porters like family. "Great camaraderie with fun and adventurous people, and new friends for life. The guides were amazing, and the entire team was welcoming and friendly." – A trekker "I found we had these rolling one-on-one conversations where we had lots of time to talk without the weight of really being in each other’s world outside of this one event. Open, honest, and interesting conversations." – A trekker "I didn’t come with a friend to the trek and was anxious about the whole thing. But the other hikers and crew were engaging, supportive, and welcoming." – A trekker "I think I belly-laughed and giggled my way up the mountain! Our group was so much fun and tremendously supportive of one another. It was surreal to see faces of people who shared a pivotal time in my life looking back at me and enjoying the moment for the same reason." – A trekker And the beauty of what they experienced... The group treks through the rainforest on Day 1 Trekking through Kilimanjaro’s volcanic landscape Mount Kilimanjaro spans five climate zones. Many trekkers focus so much on the summit sign that they’re surprised by the incredible scenery throughout the journey! "Nature is powerful and humbling. Being immersed in a place so much bigger than you and recognizing the respect it demands is part of the journey." – A trekker "It was amazing to trek through beautiful terrain, encounter breathtaking vistas at every turn, and even see the curvature of the Earth so clearly." – A trekker "For the first time, I realized what the term 'Milky Way' was about – spectacular!" – A trekker "There were so many stars that the Milky Way literally looked like a collection of clouds. One of the most wonderful things I’ve seen." – A trekker They joked about their memories… Water break and laughter on Kilimanjaro Resting up for the trek on the Umbwe Route Still joking 10 years later on Zoom! While laughter isn’t a cure for altitude sickness or sore muscles, it definitely lifts spirits! Reaching the summit is an inspiring, intimidating goal, but it’s important to have fun along the way. "[I remember] getting up early, smelling absolutely terrible (ha!)." – A trekker "We joked that high altitude makes you stupid. We tried to play trivia games in the dining tent and just couldn’t do it!" – A trekker "The check-in stations where the officials would look at me and my passport and say, ‘OOH, You old Mama.’" – A trekker They talked about the difficulty of what they accomplished… A portion of the group at the summit Proper training is incredibly important for climbing Kilimanjaro, but even with preparation, the difficulty surprises most trekkers. Much of the challenge is more mental than physical. "For the most part, I think of it as more difficult mentally than physically. Until summit day – it was the hardest physical challenge and took all I had mentally to keep at it." – A trekker "It allowed me to realize that I can push through difficult things and challenge myself." – A trekker "To me, it meant the ability to succeed when I shouldn’t have." – A trekker But most importantly, how it has affected their lives since… Treks and travels inspired by Kilimanjaro Kilimanjaro is more than a checkmark on a bucket list. For many, it serves as a benchmark for life – influencing how they see themselves and approach future challenges. "It didn’t happen overnight or even quickly, but soon I dramatically improved my lifestyle. More focused on health, fitness, and mental wellness." – A trekker "Kili leaves me with many cherished memories, a significant physical accomplishment, and a newfound understanding of mental and physical stamina." – A trekker "Summit morning gave me confidence in myself that no other experience could have. I gained confidence as an adult, as a mom, as a wife, as a colleague – you name it. When you accomplish something as big as Kili, you know other challenges pale in comparison." – A trekker "When something difficult comes up, I remember that I did this trip, accomplished my goal, and can persevere through anything. I still love throwing it into conversation when people start to doubt me – ‘Excuse me, I climbed Kilimanjaro. Trust me, this isn’t so bad.’" – A trekker And as for what it was like to reconnect… Connecting on Zoom after Kilimanjaro Not every Kilimanjaro group gets the chance to reconnect, praise one another’s efforts, or catch up years later. But for some, the bonds are strong enough that a reunion feels natural. "Kili wasn’t just a trip we did and moved on from – it was the trailhead to new adventures for many of us. It was so cool to see faces I hadn’t seen in 10 years, looking out from the screen like friends I’d known forever." – A trekker The group on the final day of the trek

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