This February, Colleen and Brian pushed themselves — and their love for Kilimanjaro — to new heights. Quite literally. Over ten unforgettable days, they climbed, laughed, and learned as they tackled the mighty mountain not once, but twice via the Lemosho Route and the Western Breach/Wall approach.
The Numbers That Tell the Story
For the data lovers out there, here’s what this climb looked like on paper:
- 140 miles covered
- 45,000 feet of climbing and another 45,000 feet of descent
- 10 days on the mountain — 5 of them above 14,000 feet
- 2 summits of Uhuru Peak at 19,431 feet
- 36 hours for the Fastest Known Time (including one strategic 30-minute nap at Barranco Camp)
- 1 jar of Nutella (completely demolished, of course 🍫)
- Countless snacks, laughs, and stargazing moments
But here’s the thing — Kilimanjaro is about so much more than stats.
The Real Highlights
The magic of this expedition wasn’t just in the miles or the altitudes. It was in the people.
Their incredible guides, Inno and Farida, and the team of porters were the true heroes of this journey. They kept them safe, well-fed, and on track — all while sharing their unmatched knowledge of the mountain and the wilderness that surrounds it.
Every step of the way, they were there – whether it was prepping the drop points at Pofu, School Hut, and Barranco or helping them navigate the technical sections with precision and calm.
With them, Colleen and Brian mapped water sources, logged trail intersections, and built the strategy that powered this FKT attempt. And in between, they laughed – a lot – and had some of the best conversations:
- The future of sustainable tourism on Kilimanjaro
- The strength and skill of women in guiding and porter roles (Farida, the legend!)
- Lessons from a lifetime of adventure with Inno
- Language lessons that had them in stitches 😆
- And yes, plenty of stories (and photos) about Reign 🐺 (Colleen’s fur friend)
What They Learned
This climb reinforced everything Colleen and Brian love about Kilimanjaro: the challenge, the solitude, the beauty, and the connection — with the mountain, with the people, and with themselves.
Because when you’re out there, hours from camp, staring up at a sky full of stars or watching the sunrise from the Roof of Africa, you’re reminded just how small — and how lucky — you are.
Ready for Your Own Kili Story?
Kilimanjaro is more than a bucket list item. It’s an experience that changes you, from the first step on the trail to that victorious moment at the summit.
If you’re dreaming of your own adventure on Africa’s highest peak – whether it’s a steady, slow climb or something more daring like our route – we’d love to help you plan it. With the right team, the right pace, and the right preparation, the mountain will reward you in ways you can’t imagine.