I climbed Kilimanjaro. Why not!
By Jim Gilhooly, October 2023.
I believe we all can do with bit of a challenge – and some excitement – to show that we are still going strong when we grow older. My idea of this challenge was to climb Kilimanjaro when I would turn 60. Like so many plans, this one was put on hold due to the COVID pandemic.
A couple of years later – and after some meticulous planning and scheduling – my fellow climbers and I arrived in Kilimanjaro in October 2023 for our adventure. Right from the start I knew that the planning had paid off as Hoopoe Safaris, the company chosen by John Coles to assist our climb, came across as not only being able to keep us safe and well-fed but also providing friendship and entertainment throughout the experience.
We started with five climbers: my two daughters, son-in-law to-be, my wife’s cousin and me. Unfortunately, my wife’s cousin had to discontinue the climb after a couple of days due to altitude sickness. Though obviously disappointed to have to stop, she was impressed with all the assistance she received from the team, who took her down the mountain, and settled her back at the hotel.
The remaining four of us had a wonderful time as we continued with our climb.
We will forever remember the breathtaking scenery, the changing terrain and weather conditions, the exhilaration felt by getting closer to our destination. However, what made all this so special was the friendship that grew between the Hoopoe team and us.
Having come down from the mountain after our successful summit, we were joined by my wife and went off on a two-day safari to the Ngorongoro Crater. We want to thank Kew Bridge Travel and Hoopoe Safaris for this lifetime experience.
Fancy a challenge for your 60th, or any other, birthday? I chose to climb Kilimanjaro. For why not!
