This post is part of my reflections on adventure series, where I share personal experiences and insights gained from exploring the wild.
The Call of Africa
Ever since I was a child, glued to David Attenborough documentaries, I dreamed of experiencing the wildlife and wonders of Africa. As I prepared for this adventure, I had grown more experienced in traveling and seeking out new challenges. My goal was to climb Kilimanjaro, scuba dive off the coast of Zanzibar, and go on a safari in the Masai Mara. I also wanted to immerse myself in the rich cultures, so I planned to walk the streets of Nairobi, delve into the unique history of Zanzibar, and spend a week with the Masai tribes of Tanzania. This journey wasn’t just about adventure; it was about personal growth and discovery, much like the transformative experiences we aim to provide at Legacy.
Preparation and Arrival
During my youthful adventures, Lonely Planet guidebooks were my go-to resource, especially for budget travelers like myself. These guides offered the best advice for navigating different communities and cultures. Knowing that booking a climb up Kilimanjaro would be half the price if I waited to book locally, I packed my bags, including some of my scuba gear, and headed to Africa with a flexible plan and an adventurous spirit. Just as planning is essential for a successful trip, it is also crucial for the journey of recovery and personal growth at Legacy. Preparation, resourcefulness, and the willingness to adapt are key to overcoming challenges.
On my way to Africa, I had a layover in London. It was New Year’s Day in 2023 and coincided with massive Iraq war protests. I walked the streets, took pictures of the signs, and experienced London as much as I could in 24 hours, witnessing a democratic society exercising its freedom of speech.
Nairobi: A New Perspective
Arriving in Nairobi was a stark contrast to anything I had experienced before. The city, built in the 50s and 60s, had bustling streets, concrete buildings, and bars on windows. It felt like New York or London but with a distinct difference. In those cities, I could blend in, but in Nairobi, I stood out, especially in the non-touristy, budget hotel area where I stayed. It was the first time I felt a sense of not belonging. However, every conversation I had was filled with mutual curiosity. People wanted to know why I was there, and I was eager to learn about them. This intimidating yet exhilarating experience pushed my comfort zones, much like the initial stages of the journeys our clients at Legacy undertake. Feeling out of place can be the first step toward profound personal growth.
Climbing Kilimanjaro: A Lesson in Patience and Teamwork
From Nairobi, I headed to Moshi town in Tanzania to prepare for my climb up Kilimanjaro. Booking guides was straightforward and, as Lonely Planet promised, it was significantly cheaper than booking through a western tour agency. I joined a group climbing the Lemosho route, a longer path that usually takes seven days, allowing for better acclimatization and starting in the rainforest before ascending through various climatic zones.
By law, climbers must use guides, and porters come with the guide services. Initially, I hadn’t planned on using porters, but I quickly embraced their help. These porters were incredible, waking me in my tent with warm water for washing and preparing coffee and tea. They packed our gear and carried it on their heads to the next camp spot.
Our guides often said, “pole pole,” which means “go slow” in Swahili. This mantra is vital for climbing Kilimanjaro. If you’re competitive, you’ll discover that Kilimanjaro is a lesson in patience. The porters’ “pole pole” is not just to prevent exhaustion but also a way of life. It means slowing down to appreciate the beauty around you and savoring the experience. This lesson in patience and teamwork is something we emphasize at Legacy, helping our clients understand the importance of slowing down and appreciating their journey. Just as climbing Kilimanjaro requires a team effort, recovery is also about relying on support systems.
We ended up climbing Kilimanjaro in six days instead of seven, reaching the summit to see the receding glaciers and taking our summit photos in a white-out snowstorm at 19,341 feet above sea level. One of the most rewarding aspects of physically challenging adventures is the celebration immediately post-trip with your adventure buddies. This shared experience of overcoming challenges together is a powerful bonding moment.
Safari with the Masai: Finding Happiness in Simplicity
My next African adventure was a safari with the Masai tribe. I spent four days with the Masai, who live in houses partly made from cow dung. They seemed happier than people back home. Just before I left, my neighbor had a meltdown because another neighbor bought the same SUV. In contrast, the Masai seemed content in their simple homes. This taught me that happiness isn’t tied to material possessions, a lesson we convey to our clients at Legacy.
During my stay, I witnessed a returning ceremony for a young man who left to tend the cows as a boy and returned as a man with celebration and ceremony honoring his journey and courage. He proudly wore a lion mane headdress, which he claimed he earned by killing a lion with a spear to protect the cows. Whether true or symbolic, it highlighted the importance of rites of passage and acknowledging transitions—a stark contrast to our western markers like getting a car at 16 or drinking at 21. We can learn much from these traditions, and at Legacy, we emphasize the importance of recognizing and honoring personal growth and transitions.
Exploring Zanzibar: Embracing Culture and Simplicity
After my time with the Masai, I headed to Zanzibar. The island’s rich history and unique culture fascinated me. I spent my days walking through the historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and exploring the spice farms that give Zanzibar its nickname, the Spice Island. Scuba diving off the coast was another highlight, where I experienced the vibrant marine life of the Indian Ocean.
Zanzibar taught me that we can be happy with less. The locals lived simply yet seemed more content than many people I knew back home. This realization reinforced the lesson that material wealth does not equate to happiness. At Legacy, we encourage our clients to find joy and contentment in simple pleasures and meaningful experiences.
Lessons from Africa
Reflecting on my African adventure, I realize the lessons I learned are profound and relevant to anyone seeking a deeper connection with life, especially for our clients at Legacy who might be on their own journeys of self-discovery:
1. Letting Others Help You Climb: My experience with the porters on Kilimanjaro taught me the importance of accepting help. Sometimes, allowing others to support us is essential for reaching our goals. This lesson is vital for our clients as they navigate their healing journeys.
2. Material Possessions Don’t Define Happiness: Observing the Masai’s contentment with their simple lives made me realize that happiness comes from within and from meaningful connections, not material possessions. At Legacy, we help clients find joy in simplicity and meaningful relationships.
3. Rites of Passage: The Masai’s traditions highlighted the importance of acknowledging and celebrating transitions. Whether it’s overcoming addiction or achieving personal milestones, recognizing these moments is crucial for growth. We incorporate this understanding into our programs at Legacy.
4. Presence and Appreciation: Climbing Kilimanjaro taught me to slow down and appreciate the journey. This mindfulness is something we emphasize with our clients, helping them find value in the present moment.
5. Cultural Immersion: Experiencing diverse cultures in Africa enriched my perspective and taught me the value of understanding and respecting different ways of life. At Legacy, we encourage clients to embrace new experiences and broaden their horizons.
A Reflection on Adventure
My time in Africa taught me that true adventure lies not just in the physical journey but in the quest for meaning and purpose. These lessons are integral to the healing and growth we facilitate at Legacy, where we strive to help each client honor their journey with presence, appreciation, and resilience.
To learn more about the beauty and culture of Africa, consider exploring the resources available through Lonely Planet: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/africa.
