Climbing Kilimanjaro: An Undeniable Strength in Community

By Ivy Mwanza

EFAC Alumna, class of 2023

This is part of a series of reflections from EFAC Scholars participating in EFAC’s Climb Kilimanjaro & Elevate Education Fundraising Expedition.

The journey to Kilimanjaro in Tanzania was nothing short of remarkable, a culmination of months of preparation and an incredible team effort that will forever remain etched in my memory. I am still in disbelief of the experiences I have had as part of such a significant, exhilarating and complex climbing team! Our adventure began with a thrilling car ride from Nairobi to Moshi, Tanzania, traversing the beautiful landscapes of Arusha. This expedition was more than just a climb; it was a testament to the power of community, determination, and the shared goal of making a difference.

Before embarking on the climb, the team gathered in Nairobi for a pre-expedition dinner. It was a warm, spirited evening filled with laughter and anticipation. We reminisced about our experiences and bonded over the excitement of what lay ahead. A day prior to our departure, we joined the EFAC community for the Power of One hike at Ngong Hills. The camaraderie, stunning views, and shared purpose during the hike set the perfect tone for the journey to come.

Lisa, the organizer of the climb, brought together a unique and inspiring team. Harriet and I had previously climbed Mount Kenya with Lisa as a preparatory climb for this very expedition. The Mount Kenya experience had been challenging yet fulfilling, teaching us resilience and teamwork. That climb strengthened our resolve to take on Kilimanjaro, not just for the adventure but for a greater cause – to raise funds for EFAC, an organization close to my heart and an initiative that resonates deeply with me as a beneficiary of the EFAC scholarship program. The project was a success and we managed to raise enough money to put four students through high school and college. Lisa and the three other climbers, Caitlin Fellows, Beth McHugh and Shaun McHugh each sponsored one student.

Caitlin Fellows, a family law attorney and education advocate; and Beth and Shaun McHugh, a lovely couple who are both retired with inspiring careers behind them joined us on this adventure. Caitlin, an experienced mountaineer and friend of Lisa, had climbed with her before in the Grand Teton and had an infectious enthusiasm for the outdoors. Beth, introduced to the project by Cynthia Masai of 261 Fearless Inc., brought her passion for supporting women and her background in financial services. Shaun, who retired just a week before the climb, joined to support Beth and added his own energy and humor to the team. The blend of personalities, backgrounds, and experiences created a dynamic group bound by a shared purpose as we all rallied around Lisa’s idea, supporting her through planning, preparation, and the climb itself.

The climb itself was an epic adventure. The journey to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, was both breathtaking and grueling. This team of climbers embodied the essence of teamwork. Each member brought their own strengths, perspectives, and talents to the table, creating a synergy that was greater than the sum of its parts. We spent seven days on the mountain, with each day bringing new challenges and rewards. Harsh weather conditions, strong winds, heavy rain, hailstorms, the wintery mix, cold nights, you name it, we pushed through it.

This climb wasn’t just about conquering Kilimanjaro—it was a full-blown adventure filled with bellyaching laughter and the goofiest moments. From ridiculous walks over bridges to playful teasing that had us doubled over in fits of giggles, we truly embraced our silly sides. Dinners turned into heartfelt storytelling sessions, where we shared deep, soul-stirring conversations one moment and laughed over the most random topics the next. On the trail, we cracked lighthearted jokes, bonded with the guides and porters, and by the end, we weren’t just a team—we were family. The joy we found in each other made even the toughest stretches of the climb feel lighter, proving that laughter might actually be the best way to tackle any mountain!

On the sixth day, we began the summit trek at midnight, braving the biting cold and the effects of altitude. The trail was crowded, almost overwhelming, but the chants and songs of fellow climbers created an atmosphere of unity and motivation. This day was the most grueling part of the climb, pushing us to our physical and mental limits. The day before, we had already witnessed several helicopter evacuations, a sobering reminder of the mountain’s unforgiving nature. As we ascended in the freezing darkness, the number of climbers struggling with altitude sickness increased, with some turning back while others collapsed on the trail. The relentless wind, extreme cold, and oxygen deprivation made every step feel like a battle. Yet, despite the harsh conditions, we pushed through together, drawing strength from one another. As the sun rose, we reached Stella Point and then pressed on to Uhuru Peak. The snow was cold but beautiful and thankfully we had amazing gear which made a world of a difference in how well we did on this climb. Holding the EFAC flag at the summit at 7:50 am was a moment of pure triumph and joy, symbolizing the success of our project and a brighter future for deserving students.

The descent was no less eventful, the evacuations continued at different camps, highlighting just how challenging this mountain can be. But we had conquered it—through resilience, determination, and unwavering teamwork. After a brief stop at Barafu Camp for lunch, we continued down to Mweka Camp for the night. The final day of the trek began at 9 am, and as we descended to the base camp, the mood was jubilant. Exhausted but elated, we returned to Chanya Lodge in Moshi, where a celebratory dinner awaited us. Over delicious food, we reflected on the climb, shared stories, and marveled at the bonds we had formed over the course of this extraordinary journey.

This experience was unlike anything I had ever encountered before. The physical and mental challenges of the climb were immense, but the support and determination of the team carried us through. The journey was made even more special by the opportunity to give back, supporting EFAC’s mission to educate, elevate, and empower Kenyan youth. As an EFAC alumnus and an avid outdoor enthusiast, it was an honor to contribute to this cause while pursuing my passion for adventure.

There’s an undeniable strength in community—an energy that arises when individuals come together, united by a shared vision. Teamwork, driven by passion and a common purpose, has the power to transform even the smallest ideas into profound, life-changing realities. Lisa’s journey to support her parents' initiative is a shining example of how collective effort can turn a dream into a remarkable legacy. What’s remarkable about this project is how it continues to grow and inspire. By uniting around a shared mission, we turned a personal dream into a community initiative. This work has already provided scholarships for Kenyan students, ensuring that education unlocks doors to opportunity, and the climb stands as a beacon of hope for what’s possible when people come together.

This expedition to Kilimanjaro was a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, the strength of community, and the beauty of giving back. The mountain tested us, but it also brought us together, inspiring us to dream bigger and climb higher. I am honored to have been a part of this pilot project and cannot wait to see what fruit it bears in the future. I am deeply grateful for this life-changing experience and the incredible people who made it possible. This whole experience was such a treat. I had so much fun being on this adventure with the team and I look forward to fostering the connections I have created with each of them. Together, we conquered the roof of Africa, not just for ourselves, but for a brighter future for others!