Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is a dream for many, but for Amelia Kühn, Group Director of Marketing, Operations, and Data, it wasn’t initially on her bucket list. However, when the opportunity arose, she embraced the challenge and pushed her boundaries, discovering new depths of resilience and determination. In this interview with our CEO, David Ashdown. Amelia shares the highs, lows, and life lessons from her adventure to the top of Africa’s highest peak.
Amelia reveals that summiting Kilimanjaro wasn’t originally her idea. It was her boyfriend’s goal for his 40th birthday, which piqued her interest. Initially hesitant, she was inspired by a family acquaintance who is living a life full of adventures. This, combined with her desire to challenge herself, led her to embark on the climb. “Sometimes you have to do something bigger than your own life to truly discover what you’re capable of,” she reflects.
The physical training for Kilimanjaro involved rigorous runs, stair workouts, and adapting to the cold—Cape Town winters made it difficult to hike outdoors. Amelia also focused on clean eating to prepare for the lack of convenience on the mountain. But as she learnt, physical fitness wasn’t enough. “The altitude can get you, no matter how fit you are,” she says, explaining how she had to mentally prepare for the possibility of not reaching the summit.
To help cope, Amelia watched videos of others who had completed the climb and accepted that even with thorough preparation, there were no guarantees. The journey was about being at peace with uncertainty.
Amelia vividly recounts the diverse ecological zones she passed through—from the lush rainforests filled with Colobus monkeys to the harsh Alpine desert and Arctic-like zones. Each step of the journey was a reminder of nature’s grandeur and the importance of staying present.
One of the most striking moments for her was encountering the giant Senecio plants, which exist only on Kilimanjaro. “It felt like stepping into a prehistoric world,” she remarks.
Summit night proved to be the greatest challenge. After a 6pm rest, Amelia and her group began their ascent at midnight, battling freezing temperatures and steep inclines in the pitch-black night. The thin air made breathing difficult, but Amelia’s determination kept her going. “I reminded myself that I was here because it’s difficult, not because it’s easy,” she shares.
After five hours of climbing in the dark, the group reached Stella Point, but the summit was still an hour away. With frozen limbs and oxygen levels reduced by 40%, Amelia pushed through the final leg. “When I saw the sunrise, tears filled my eyes. The view was so breathtaking that it felt like a reward for all the hardships.”
Amelia reflects on the importance of embracing the entire experience, not just the final destination. While reaching the summit was a remarkable achievement, she believes that the journey itself holds the most valuable lessons. From the stark beauty of the landscape to the camaraderie with her fellow climbers, every step was an opportunity to learn and grow.
Amelia’s story is a testament to the power of challenging oneself beyond perceived limits. Her journey to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro serves as a reminder that true growth often comes from stepping outside of comfort zones and embracing the unknown. Whether in life or work, pushing yourself can lead to incredible experiences and achievements.
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