Debbie Tattrie
"I was able to make it to the top!"

Her Story

From the first time I saw Mount Kilimanjaro I wanted to make the trek to the summit.  I had been to Africa previously, specifically Nairobi, Mombasa and the game reserves of Kenya and Tanzania. Whether you are driving the highway from Nairobi to Mombasa or out on safari you get an incredible view of Kilimanjaro.  I finally decided to stop waiting for friends to go with me, and I searched for a good trekking outfit to take me to the top. Since I would not know anyone else on the trek, I wanted to make sure I could hold my own.  From the years of training with Allan I knew I would need his expertise, and at times his perkiness and tremendous positive attitude, to meet the challenge.  
 
I chose the Lemoshe Route, the most remote and untraveled trail, which allowed me to climb for 9 days.  It treks 180 degrees around Kilimanjaro's south facing glaciers and it was amazing to say the least! I traversed some of Kilimanjaro's most striking landscapes, including the base of Kibo Peak's south facing glaciers. I think the two most amazing moments for me were when we passed through the clouds, and of course the summit.
 
The training Allan put me through played a big part in my success.  I made it to the top; all 19,340 feet, I could hardly believe it! Allan not only prepared me physically – any more lunges and I was going to kill him – but also my stamina increased significantly.  I have to say that there were a number of times when I was winded but my legs never tired. We had worked diligently on improving my recovery time to the point that it was rarely an issue.  I actually remember thinking how valuable all the work had been.  The Chief Senior Guide was even impressed with my recovery at the daily medical check-ups. Through the whole training process Allan's un-wavering belief made me realize that I could do it; he was even more excited than I was!
  
I once read an article in which a Kilimanjaro guide was quoted as saying, "Kilimanjaro is a place where ordinary people come to do something extraordinary, to leave their daily lives and stand in a place between heaven and earth, a magical place in the Africa of their dreams".   It certainly was all that and more.