“The first thing we did when we reached Uhuru Peak was hug each other and just cry. We had made it.”
These are the words of Bedfordview couple Mona and Vis Naidoo who climbed Kilimanjaro in aid of Caring4Girls in the Trek4Mandela expedition.
Vis said his wife, who became affectionately known as “Princess Mona” in the group of 40 trekkers in the expedition, was his inspiration.
“I was more worried about her safety throughout the journey while she was the energetic one telling me how close we were to the summit,” he said.
Asked to describe the experience in two words, Mona said it was “exhilarating and challenging”, while Vis found it “amazing and gruelling”.
Mona said although tough, the journey proved that they are not afraid to take risks.
“We are committed to building the country of our dreams. This expedition showcased that. We are willing to risk our lives in order to make sure that no girl child misses school while on their period. We were able to highlight and raise awareness of the challenges faced by girls in poor communities,” said Mona.
Vis said the mountain tests one’s boundaries.
“You have to push through those boundaries. At some point you are really tested on whether or not you really want to get up there. Like seasoned mountaineer Sibusiso Vilane said, we had to dig deep, really deep and give it every bit we had to get up there,” he said.
Upon reaching the peak, which is also referred to as the Roof of Africa, the couple said all they could do was just hold each other and cry.
Before they could begin with their descent, “Princess Mona” modelled in a gold tiara and gold high heel sandals on Uhuru Peak.
She said a photographer earlier told her to take a bag full of fancy clothes up the mountain. “I took him up on that challenge and made sure I bring in the fun into the climb,” she said.
Vis said on the morning of the summit people were surprised at where Mona’s energy had come from.
“While everyone was in slow motion, Mona was smiling and so energetic. She sat down and took out her shoes and tiara and started modelling. One of the guys she wanted to model with asked where in the world her energy had come from. I was inspired by her will and desire to reach that peak,” said Vis.
Mona said they were fortunate to have done the climb together as a couple. “We were also among the first people to reach the peak,” said Mona.
