ULTIMATE HIGH
Kapenaars tell to trek up Africa’s tallest berg
From left are Andre Kleinschmidt, Helena Martin, Wendy Brockman, Stephanie Singh and Vernon Singh. They were walking from the Moorlands to Lava camp point on their hike up the mountain.
Image: Supplied
Five adventurers from Strandfontein and Pelican Park successfully summited Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain, after eight gruelling days of trekking.
The group of hiking enthusiasts included Strandfontein couple Stephanie Singh, 55, and Vernon Singh, 55, fellow Strandfontein resident Wendy Brockman, 59, and Pelican Park residents Helene Martin and Andre Kleinschmidt.
Together, they formed a small team that set out to conquer the 5 895-metre giant in Tanzania.
It was on 18 July when the group stood at Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, after eight grueling days of climbing the mountain.
From left back are Wendy Brockman and Andre Kleinschmidt and from left front are Daniel John, porter on the hike, Vernon Singh, Stephanie Singh, Helena Martin, Mondey Mkonyi, assistant guide and Monyo Evans, main guide at the Uhuru peak point on top of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Image: Supplied
For Stephanie and Vernon, who have lived in Strandfontein for 35 years, the climb was a dream years in the making.
“We had about four meetings before we left, researching and preparing for the hike,” said Stephanie.
“I was doubtful because I’m anaemic, so I had to work closely with my doctor to get my blood counts right. But my husband kept us all motivated—he’s a gym guy and made sure we ate properly and trained for it."
Vernon, a retired Navy and police warrant officer, became the group’s motivator on the mountain.
“Normally, hikers walk in silence, but Kilimanjaro is different—it’s uphill all the way. I kept the morale high by singing old sports chants and even doing mock interviews to keep everyone laughing. One team, one dream—that was our spirit.”
From left are Andre Kleinschmidt, Vernon Singh, Stephanie Singh, Wendy Brockman and Helena Martin at the Lava Tower near the volcanic area, two days before their summit.
Image: Supplied
The mountain, however, tested them from the start. Thin air, steep terrain, and altitude sickness hit the group hard.
The group also witnessed the dangers of the climb firsthand. Several climbers from other expeditions collapsed from oxygen deprivation and had to be rushed down the mountain by guides.
Vomiting, nosebleeds, and disorientation were constant battles, said Stephanie.
Despite the challenges, there were unforgettable moments.
For Brockman, the most emotional moment came at Stella Point, the milestone summit before Uhuru Peak.
“Climbing through the night and finally seeing Stella Point in front of me was overwhelming. I was very emotional—it felt like all the hard work had paid off. That moment will always stay with me,” she said.
After pushing past exhaustion, icy winds, and blinding glaciers, the group reached Uhuru Peak.
“It was emotional, spiritual, overwhelming,” said Vernon. “Standing there, you realise how short life is, and how grateful you must be for everything, even flushing toilets.”
Stephanie, who at one point swore she would “never again” attempt such a climb, admits the experience left a deep mark.
She added: “When you love the outdoors, it’s always in you. For now, we’ll stick to camping—but Kilimanjaro will always be part of our story.”
She said they are even looking to climb Mount Everest next year.