By Hazla Omar
Towering at the height of 5895 Meters above sea level, Mount Kilimanjaro essentially peaks at the highest point on the African Continent, therefore scaling its summit should be the last thing anybody aged above 60 and leading a busy life should attempt.
But for the team of eleven climbers from Malaysia, that is exactly what they set out to do.
Aged between 45 and 60 years, the trekkers most facing health challenges were out to show the world that a healthy active lifestyle was possible against all odds even amid the staggering demands from their busy careers.
The expedition was led by Aslina Abdulaziz, the President of Tubaha Nadi Siha of Malaysia.
“We are setting out to promote a healthy lifestyle,” Aslina explained.
According to the team leader, members of the expedition hold influential positions in their respective firms, but managed to set aside ample time for the enduring physical exercise of scaling the world’s tallest free-standing mountain.
The entourage included Aslina Abdulaziz, the President of Tubaha Nadi Siha, Fahisha Mustafa from the Healthy Heart Organization (Pertubuhan Nadi Sihat) in Malaysia, Adleen Binti Abdullah, Muhamad Faizal Bin Kamarulzaman and Shahrul Nizam Bin Abdullah.
Others were, Roselfida Salmah Binti Daud, Mazlan Bin Mosdaram, Mohd Fazli Bin Mat Usof, Siti Rahmah Binti Habib Binchar, Hasrina Binti Wakiran, and Mohd Hilmi B. Abdullah.
“The mission was not just a physical feat but also an emotional voyage reflecting the team’s dedication to leading healthy routines despite their demanding careers and responsibilities,” explained Aslina.
A representative from the Healthy Heart Organization, Fahisha Mustafa admits that enduring heart challenges was challenging; “But the Kilimanjaro expedition restored my confidence,” said Mustafa.
“I have proved my strength that I can walk, run and hike. Reaching the summit felt like a great victory over my past.”
Mountain Guides and Porters at Kilimanjaro proved to be another source of inspiration and encouragement to the climbers, due to their typical Tanzanian hospitality.
“Imagine at the height of 4,600 meters above sea level we were served with a full meal for lunch under a tent,” recalls Aslina adding it was not just food; but rather an experience filled with care and warmth from their escorts.”
And just when Tanzania was celebrating ‘Nyerere Day,’ in honor of their founding father of the Nation, on the 14th of October 2024 the team reached the Uhuru Summit on Kibo Peak, the highest point in Africa.
“The weather was chilly ranging between minus 10 to 15 degrees, to an extent that my water bottle froze into an ice stone,” Fahisha recalls.
However the climbers lauded the support from mountain guides which they say was incredible.
“Upon reaching the summit, I felt a rush of emotions, a mixture of joy, gratitude, and a sense of belonging. It was unforgettable.”
The other thing which really impressed the trekkers was the pristine condition in which the mountain trails were kept.
“Tanzania’s dedication in preserving the natural environment on Kilimanjaro struck a chord with us, the entire team felt even more proud to be part of something bigger,” Aslina reflected.
Back home in Malaysia, the team looks forward to being an inspiration for others to start embracing active outdoor adventures.
“Kilimanjaro is more than just a mountain; it is an invitation to transform lives,” Aslina said.
“We are excited to share our journey with hiking communities to encourage more people to take this leap.”
In addition to highlighting the importance of fitness and maintaining a healthy heart, the expedition also created mutual bonds among the climbers. With a shared vision of achieving balance in life, they proved that age and past health challenges do not define one’s future potential.
Handling the expedition in Tanzania was Alkebulan Travels, whose founder and Chief Executive Officer, Yesaya Jackson, expressed gratitude to the climbing expedition for selecting the company for their once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“I want to convey appreciation to the Malaysian climbers from Nadi Sihat for choosing Alkebulan to undertake their unforgettable journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Their perseverance and camaraderie were truly inspiring, and we are honored to have been a part of their successful expedition,” said Jackson.
With an experience spanning more than a decade, Alkebulan Travels, prides itself on promoting sustainable tourism while ensuring that every adventure showcases the natural beauty of Tanzania.
“Our commitment to eco-friendly practices means that every journey with us not only supports local communities but also helps preserve the environment for future generations,” he added.
According to Jackson, in recent years, the number of tourists visiting Tanzania has surged, largely due to the efforts of the country’s President, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, in promoting the country overseas and creating a conducive environment for investments back home.
“Her initiative has played a pivotal role in showcasing Tanzania’s diverse attractions, from wildlife and landscapes to historical sites and the warmth of its people.”
“Tanzania has become a must-visit destination for travelers across the globe. We have seen a marked increase in interest for both safari adventures and Kilimanjaro climbs, courtesy of President Samia’s efforts,” Jackson maintained.
Jackson concluded by expressing his appreciation for the Nadi Sihat climbers. “We are incredibly grateful to the Nadi Sihat team for trusting us with their Kilimanjaro journey. It was a pleasure to guide them to the roof of Africa, and we look forward to welcoming more adventurers to explore the magic of Tanzania.”
Ibrahim Mashaka, a tour guide from the company, said his team led a group of eleven visitors from Malaysia to climb Mount Kilimanjaro using the Machame route, with the expedition taking six days.
“Nine out of the eleven climbers made it to the summit but two guests did not reach the top, including the climber who had previously undergone heart surgery.”
Fahisha Mustafa, the leader of the expedition, remarked, “We reached an altitude of 5,200 meters above sea level, while the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is 5,895 meters (19,340 feet).”
These visitors were a rather special team as each one of them faced wellbeing challenges, though of course their primary goal was to promote heart health.
“But as a company, we aim at providing excellent service to all types of people because aggressive marketing and participation in national tourism exhibitions are nothing without ensuring quality services,” points out another Alkebulan staff member, Erick Mulyango added.