When the Climb Becomes the Classroom: 5 Lessons from Mt. Kenya

Climbing Mt. Kenya is widely considered one of Africa’s most demanding and rewarding mountain adventures. Rising to 17,000 feet the routes vary from scenic treks to tough technical climbs, and every step is shaped by steep, rocky terrain, unpredictable weather, and the challenges of high altitude.

Even experienced trekkers must confront daunting factors like altitude sickness, biting cold, and long summit days that can last up to sixteen hours of relentless effort - thorough preparation, endurance, humility - an immersive test of character and resilience that pushes body and mind far to extraordinary limits outside of one’s comfort zone.

Mt. Kenya has a deep mystique and significance. Though revered by local Bantu tribes as a sacred mountain, early Europeans saw it as a challenge to be conquered. The first serious ascent occurred in 1899, led by Sir Halford John Mackinder, accompanied by guides César Ollier and Joseph Brocherel. Their expedition included conflict with local communities, scarce food, theft, and even violence. Despite these hardships, Mackinder’s team reached the summit of Batian, the highest peak, after three failed attempts earlier that year.

The mountain's glaciers, such as the Diamond Glacier they traversed, have since shrunk, making their original routes nearly impossible today. Even before the first ascent, the local peoples held the mountain sacred, believing spirits inhabited its upper slopes, rarely venturing beyond the dense forest and bamboo belts. Ostensibly, Prince William proposed to Kate on the shores of one of Mt. Kenya’s stunning glacial lakes at over 12,000 feet, close to the famed ice caps.

However, Mt. Kenya’s allure and difficulty still come with undeniable risks. Between 1990 and 2000, there were about 25 reported deaths on the mountain, often stemming from altitude-related illnesses, as well as falls on the mountain’s treacherous icy terrain.

Even in recent years, accidents continue to occur—for example, in 2023 a British climber and her guide tragically lost their lives after slipping on ice during descent.

While Mt. Kenya is not among the deadliest peaks globally, its challenges demand utmost seriousness from every climber.

Reflecting on my own Mt. Kenya experience, I took away five key learnings amidst the struggles and triumph on its slopes that translate into my personal and professional work.

Experience Over Ego

In the harsh and unpredictable conditions of Mt. Kenya, any moment can become a reckoning of life or death. Sometimes, the most courageous decision is knowing when to turn back, instead of pushing forward in the pursuit of “bragging rights.” Foolhardiness can have led to real danger, so it is wise to rely on the experience and expertise of the guides over one’s own ego to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of the team.

Introspection Over Competition

The true competitor on the mountain was never my peers or the peak itself - the mountain always wins. Instead, I was forced to look inward, confronting my own strengths, weaknesses, and motivation. Every tough step became a catalyst of self-discovery, revealing what drives me forward even when physically and mentally exhausted.

Preparation Over Preparedness

Even though I was relatively well prepared for the adventure, Mt. Kenya’s ever-changing conditions showed me the importance of minimalist, “in-the-moment” preparation, balanced with smart contingency planning. I learned to pack only what was essential for survival and organize it for instant access -for that day’s mission, knowing that conditions could shift fast and that margin for error was razor-thin. Preparation became a mindset: ready for sun, wind, cold, or sudden rain at any moment.

Attitude Over Altitude

When comforts we take like water, food, warmth, and rest were in short supply, supporting others and maintaining high spirits became vital. This is when one’s approach and emotional intelligence shaped not only our own journey, but the entire team’s success. I saw how positive attitude bleeds through a team, helping everyone push past adversity, and I learned that true leadership is about lifting each person—including those in support roles—toward their own goals.

Small Moments Over Big Milestones

Finally, the climb taught me that joy and fulfillment live in the small moments, not just the summit. Finding ways to celebrate progress and connect with my team—even during the drudgery of the mundane —built memories and a sense of belonging that outshine any medal or photo taken at the top.

The difficulties, history, and risks of climbing Mt. Kenya helped reset and refocus on the importance of intrinsic motivation, the power of belief and the success of teams. Valuing expertise over ego, self-reflection over external-recognition , intentional preparation, emotional intelligence, and appreciation of small successes are make each journey a worthwhile destination.