The “Pole Pole” mantra: Mt. Kilimanjaro is a mental reset.

Hey there, I’m Hazy. I’m a BC based explorer and backpacker who traded the lush forest of the Pacific Northwest (PNW) for the rugged and high altitude dust of Tanzania. And I mean dust because there was more than plenty to breath in.

Welcome to my Tanzania adventure! I’ll be breaking down my 11 day journey to the “Roof of Africa.” This trip wasn’t just about summiting at 5,895 meters, but about finding a way to detox the body and mind.

If you’re feeling like the world is moving too fast and you’re looking for a reason to unplug, you found the right place. I’m going to talk about why the best way to move forwards is sometimes to just slow down.

What’s “Pole Pole”?

This is a Swahili term that means to go slowly, slowly in a relaxing way. It’s about being intentionally slow to ensure you’re successful and present.

Briefly, my professional life in BC demanded speed and quick decisions. But in Mt. Kilimanjaro, “Pole, Pole” was the law of the land. Sure it’s medically important to avoid high altitude sickness, but it’s also a masterclass in mindfulness. Here are few things i was able to do by taking the slow path:

• Connect: I didn’t just hike, I actually got to chat and learn about my incredible group and crew.
• Lay eyes on everything: We moved through 5 different ecosystems: Farmlands, Rainforest, Moorland, Alpine desert, and Arctic Ice. Check out this diagram from Follow Alice.
• Stay Present: I stopped obsessing over the summit and started enjoying and appreciating each step that will bring me there.

Why take the Long Way?

The Norther Circuit Experience

There were a lot of people rushing up the mountain and taking the short routes. My group chose the Northern Circuit the longest and new route to the summit. Was it worth the extra kilometres, the answer is yes. Here’s why:

• 360 degrees view – we got to traverse nearly the entire mountain and we saw all faces of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
• Acclimatization – This route has the highest success rate because you spend more days hiking up. This means less headache or worse migraines – something I started experiencing at the 4,000m campsite.
• Solitude – this route offered more quiet and less crowds, which is important in a total mental reset.

It’s About the People, Not just the Peak

I mostly attribute my group’s success with the massive 35+ Follow Alice crew. I found myself respecting them more after each day in the mountain. I often think of this experiences as “glamping” because I normally carry all of my gear on me. Respect to our crew who carried our gear, cooked fresh food everyday, carried a toilet for our group, kept us entertained and reassured, and for monitoring our health leading to a successful summit.

In addition, I’m grateful for their trust to share and show glimpses into their lives, perspectives that I didn’t know would help me get through my day back home. It’s an important reminder of how much we can take things for granted and how smiling is a sign of resilience.

Here are some lessons from the Trail:

• Leave No Trace aka LNT: It’s not surprising to see litter along the trails and campsite as there are hundreds of thousands of hikers who travel to experience Mt. Kilimanjaro. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s vital to keep the dormant volcano pristine and protected. This hiking principle is a reminder of how fragile our planet really is.
• The Universe sends signs – I like my gear, and sadly losing my trekking pole – that’s been with me for a lot of adventures – to the airport security on the way home felt like a sign. I’m leaving more space for my next big adventure.
• Adventure is Growth – it’s about breaking out of your comfort zone, pushing yourself just a little bit more, step-by-step, and seeing the world from a different perspective.

Pro TIP: Always check airline regulations when preparing your gear. Or consider renting from the locals to support the local economy.