For Megan Seccull — better known as — adventure is a way of life. After an unforgettable trek through the Andes in Peru, Megan felt the call for something even bigger. In January 2016, she answered that call by setting out to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, alongside her 18-year-old son, Rayner.

What followed was far more than just a Mount Kilimanjaro climb. It became a powerful story of challenge, emotion, resilience, and a once-in-a-lifetime mother-son bond — the kind of experience that stays with you long after the mountain is behind you.

“Since returning, we felt like we were floating a few inches above the ground, still riding the elation of what we had achieved.”

The Reality of Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

When people ask Megan about her journey to the summit, she often shares a few short but striking facts. These snapshots perfectly capture the intensity of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Some undisputed facts:

• Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano in Tanzania

• It is the highest free-standing mountain in the world

• The summit, Uhuru Peak, stands at 5,895 metres

• Around 35,000 people attempt to climb Mt Kilimanjaro each year

• The average summit success rate is about 85%

And then there are the personal truths — the ones you only understand after experiencing it yourself.

• On arrival in Tanzania, temperatures were over 30°C

• At the summit, temperatures dropped to between -5°C and -10°C amid a snowstorm

• Oxygen levels at the summit are roughly 50% of what they are at sea level

• The journey to the top took seven days; the descent took just eight hours

• Over eight days, the team covered approximately 84 kilometres

• Summit night involved hiking over six kilometres in darkness, zig-zagging upward for seven exhausting hours

• The group included 11 climbers supported by 49 dedicated Tanzanian crew members

This is the true nature of mount Kilimanjaro climbing tours — demanding, humbling, and incredibly rewarding.

Highlight One: The Scenery

The landscape on Mount Kilimanjaro feels otherworldly. Some days, the terrain is rocky, barren, and grey, stretching endlessly to the horizon. At times, it feels less like Earth and more like the surface of the moon.

Mist drifts in and out, revealing vast, prehistoric-looking scenes with minimal vegetation. The uneven, stony ground forces you to watch every step — and yet the real challenge is remembering to look up. When you do, the raw beauty is breathtaking.

Pausing to take in the surroundings often doubled as a well-timed rest, disguised with an enthusiastic, “Wow, this is incredible!”

Highlight Two: The Excitement and Achievement

Every day on the mountain builds toward one ultimate goal: the summit. Conversations naturally drift toward the final ascent, filled with anticipation, nerves, and excitement.

The Tanzanian guides play an enormous role in this journey. Their confidence, humour, and encouragement make the impossible feel achievable. One guide in particular, King James, brought laughter even in tense moments. When Megan found herself clinging to a rock face, he calmly reassured her with a smile and the now-legendary line:

“Megan, you are strong like a chicken.”

It wasn’t exactly poetic, but it was exactly what she needed.

Summit night began at 11 p.m. Head torches from climbers ahead glittered across the mountain like stars in the darkness. Each step upward was physically and mentally demanding, but that challenge made reaching the top even sweeter.

Standing at Uhuru Peak, emotions overflowed. The tears shed were not from exhaustion, but from overwhelming joy. Completing a climb Mt Kilimanjaro is an achievement that reshapes how you see yourself forever.

Highlight Three: Mother and Son Bonding

Among all the moments on the mountain, one stands above the rest for Megan.

During the final ascent, faster and slower climbers were separated, placing Megan and Rayner apart. As the guides sang traditional songs in the darkness, Megan glanced downward at the exact moment Rayner looked up. His head torch illuminated his face as he smiled and gave her a thumbs-up.

No words were exchanged — none were needed. In that fleeting moment, encouragement, pride, and love passed silently between them.

Shared challenges have a unique power. Through climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Megan and Rayner strengthened their bond in a way few experiences can.

Inspired to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

If Megan’s story has sparked your own sense of adventure, there are several routes to the summit, each offering a unique experience.

Popular options include:

• The scenic Shira and Lemosho Routes for those seeking quieter trails

• The Rongai Route, known for its forests and wildlife encounters

• The Northern Circuit Route for extended acclimatisation

• The Machame Route, a classic choice for its dramatic landscapes

Many travellers choose Kilimanjaro trekking packages that can also be combined with a Tanzanian wildlife safari — the perfect balance of mountain and savannah.

With expert planning, experienced guides, and well-designed Mount Kilimanjaro climbing tours, your dream of standing on Africa’s highest point can become a reality.

Climb with Heart of Serengeti ATS

At Heart of Serengeti ATS, we specialise in expertly guided Mount Kilimanjaro climbs designed to maximise safety, comfort, and summit success. From route selection to acclimatisation planning, our team ensures every climber is fully supported on their journey to Uhuru Peak.

Whether you’re climbing solo, with friends, or creating your own family adventure, we’re here to help you experience Mount Kilimanjaro in the most meaningful way possible.