The first time I climbed Kilimanjaro. I failed!

For years, Kilimanjaro was on my bucket list, so when the opportunity arose, I seized it with both hands.

Since I was young, I’ve loved climbing mountains and hiking regularly, enjoying the landscape from high places. The greater the climb, the better the view. Living in the Middle East, the mountains of Fujairah and Oman became my weekend pastime. But despite life’s busyness and the kids’ activities, I knew I needed to reconnect with what I truly loved — the great outdoors. So, when the timing was right, I said, "Let’s do it!" and took the whole family: my wife, three sons, and my ten-year-old daughter.

“We are climbing Kilimanjaro! It will be fun!”

We all started training, committed to the cause: gym workouts, running, weekend hikes, and cutting out the bad habits. We left Dubai with Ethiopian Airlines and arrived in Kilimanjaro, away from the hustle and bustle of Dubai. Greeted by smiles at the airport, our adventure began.

The following days changed us, bringing us closer. Devices became obsolete, conversations deepened, and we shared stories about what we missed about each other. We bonded in ways we never expected. There were tears of exhaustion and moments of quiet, but the excitement for summit night grew daily.

We made connections with people who shared their lives with us, making us grateful for ours.

Reaching Upper Barafu Camp, the reality set in. The summit appeared, dancing before us and then hiding behind the clouds, building our anticipation.

At midnight, the wind howled. The air froze our breath, and warming up before starting was challenging. But with our guides’ voices saying “Pole Pole,” we moved slowly but surely, weaving and climbing what seemed an endless path. My family looked strong; even my ten-year-old paced steadily. But soon, I realised how hard it was for them too.

With each step, my breath grew lighter. My lungs wouldn’t fill, my head spun. I pushed on, needing more frequent rests until my legs stopped and breathing became impossible. Then, the lights went out...

When I came to, two porters were helping me down the mountain, their care humbling me.

After a few hours' sleep, the weight of failure was crushing — all that work, energy, and money — and I had failed! Once self-pity faded, my concern shifted to my family, who hadn’t returned yet. Seeing them enter camp, tired and elated, filled me with joy. Kissing and hugging them, it was clear what they had achieved. This memory would last forever — a story to share, a tale of success. And at their ages this will be future conversations with friends and greates achievments in interviews!

I’m not someone who likes being beaten, especially when it’s something I want to achieve. Once back in Dubai, I booked another attempt with my son.

Since that first climb, I’ve understood firsthand how challenging the lives of guides and porters truly are. Their work is physically demanding, often coming with unpredictable income, little support, and constant worry about how they will provide for their families.

Listening to Zizu, our trusted guide and dear friend, sharing his dreams and hopes for his colleagues moved me deeply. He didn’t ask for anything — he simply wanted to create a company that truly cared for those who support climbers like us. A company that prioritized their welfare, their families, and their futures. Seeing his unwavering dedication and determination inspired me to want to help — to turn his vision into reality.

It was in that moment I realized: this isn’t just about climbing a mountain. It’s about making a difference. About giving back to the people who make the climb possible. The people whose hard work and sacrifice often go unnoticed but are responsible for turning dreams into achievement. Their resilience and pride — despite all odds — are what shaped my understanding of true strength and perseverance.

From that day, My son, Jenson, and I decided I wanted to be part of something bigger. To support these incredible people and to help change their lives — one climb, one journey, one family at a time. Vertical Sky was born from that purpose: a company built on respect, fairness, and community. Our mission is to do things differently — to climb the mountain, but also to support and uplift the families behind it. Because we believe everyone deserves a chance to prosper, to flourish, and to be proud of their work.

Climbing Kilimanjaro gave us more than an achievement — it showed us the power of compassion, community, and dedication. Today, our vision is to continue this legacy. To help others see that their climb can be a catalyst for real change — not just for the individual, but for entire communities. Because true success lies in giving others the same hope, pride, and opportunity that our own journey awakened in us.

If you would like to climb to the roof top of Africa, then please get in touch, we would love to show you how you too can change lives for good.

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