Kilimanjaro: Exit-Interview

We’re back!!!! Yes, I hiked the dang thing which means my reward is conducting a post-hike exit interview🎉 YIPEEE!!! No, but for real it’s time I spill all the juicy tea on my experience because I most certainly underestimated the mountain…or overestimated my hiking ability!

For a refresher on the pre-interview mindset - Kilimanjaro: Pre-Interview — The Bag Tag

Challenges & Highlights

1. What was the most challenging part of the trek?

   LOL. This definitely changed throughout the hike but, no doubt, it was summit night. 8 hours spent questioning myself, my ability, and if I was mentally stable when I dreamed of doing this.

2. Did you experience altitude sickness? If so, how did you manage it?

   Surprisingly not! I did have a bit of a headache the morning night of the summit but that was likely due to lack of sleep! You see, they try to get you in bed at 2pm, wake you up at 10pm and get you hiking at 11pm. No sleep. Needed coffee.

3. What was the most rewarding or memorable moment of the hike?

   Reaching the crater rim - not even the peak! The grind to hit the rim was daunting and grueling. Once we got there, what was another 2 hours to the peak!

4. How did the weather impact your experience?

   Lowkey got blessed with the weather. Was cold and windy at the peak and had one night that was extraordinarily windy which made it hard to sleep but it had come after our day’s hike. Other than that, sunny and pretty comfortable temps.

Logistics & Support

1. Which route did you take, and why?

   Marangu Route - it was one of the shorter options and it included huts instead of tents

2. What was your experience like with guides and porters?

   This made the entire experience. The guides and porters were incredibly friendly, supportive, motivating, and absolute rockstars. The afternoon before the summit I was a bit in my head and one of the porters walked by and hyped me up. During the summit, they were singing, offering up snacks and sugar and really pushing everyone to dig deep for a lifetime reward. Truly can’t say enough great things about them!

3. What was the food and accommodation situation like on the trek?

   So much tea and soup. Like constantly, the guides were tryna force soup and tea down your throat. They had tons of other food throughout, and they made sure you were well feed, but, yeah, soup and tea. I need a break from both.

4. What gear or equipment was essential for your success?

   Pretty much all of it? Except the hiking poles didn’t really need. Boots, backpack, and water bag were clutch.

Lessons & Advice

1. What did you learn about yourself during the hike?

   I really can do whatever I have my heart set on. I don’t let obstacles slow me down. Gotta be less tough on myself cause I do work hard to achieve the things I want.

2. Is there anything you wish you had done differently?

   I would have brought more shirts and shorts! The travel guides definitely have you pack/dress warmer but I run so fricken hot I would set quite easy on some of the early days.

3. What advice would you give to someone considering this trek?

   Stay strong. Mentally strong. It was undeniably difficult, but the process is set up for you to succeed.

Post-Hike Reflection

1. How did it feel to reach the summit?

   Cold- lol! I feel like I had my moment at the crater rim and then after an hour nap following the descent. From the peak to the bottom, I was in such a delusional/dazed state. All I wanted was sleep.

2. How has the experience changed your perspective on travel, adventure, or personal challenges?

   I want to travel more and experience new adventures. Not really a change in that thinking but more so deepened the belief.

   Kinda touched on the personal challenges above in the lessons & advice but this was one of the rare moments where I sat to appreciate how I’m able to overcome challenges and push through to achieve my goals. Usually, I don’t take time to reflect, celebrate or acknowledge what I had to do to get somewhere.

3. Would you do it again or attempt a different high-altitude trek?

   Nope! I have no desire to do it again. I’m glad I did it but one and done is enough for me.

Pre-Interview Questions revisted

1. If you could describe your post-hike mindset in one word, what would it be and why?

   Accomplished. I feel really good about myself and the achievement. Everything that went into getting to the hike and then the actual hike itself - it was substantial, but I did it!

2. Do you feel like you’re overpacking, under packing, or goldilocks situation just right?

   I had two long underwear left and one pair of compressions and that was it. I would claim goldilocks here but I desperately needed some t-shirts and shorts.

3. How did you stay motivated?

   I don’t know. Truthfully, don’t know what kept me going for 8 hours on summit night. There was a considerable amount of doubt floating around, my body ached, I was exhausted but somehow made it to the top. I wish I could pinpoint the driving force, but sadly, I couldn’t find it.

4. If you had to pick a theme song for your hike, what would it be?

   I’m glad this question is back because it was not at all "It’s a Long Way to the Top - AC/DC

   It was “Taste” by Sabrina Carpenter. It got in my head early on and I couldn’t shake it. Every few hours I was singing it.