Uhuru Peak - the ultimate destination on bucket list hike Mount Kilimanjaro

Climbing Kilimanjaro: Six Lessons from the Ultimate Bucket List Hike

Bucket list hikes! For us hikers, these are the ultimate adventures. I’ve had the privilege of checking many off my list, from visiting Mount Blanc in Chamonix, France, to climbing Pico Duarte, the highest point in Central America. The Inca Trail in Cusco is coming up soon. And yes, I even completed not one but two bucket list hikes on Mount Kilimanjaro, a true test of endurance and spirit.

However, once these experiences end, do you ever feel a sense of letdown?

All the excitement, planning, and anticipation suddenly stop, and it can feel like something is missing. After completing these amazing hikes, I struggled with the transition back to everyday life. It's a strange mix of relief and disappointment when the adventure is over.

Camping along the Rongai Route - Mount Kilimanjaro

But here's the thing—my bucket list hikes, especially the hike on Mount Kilimanjaro, taught me some invaluable lessons. These lessons helped me navigate not only the challenges on the mountain but also the sense of letdown once the journey was over.

Let me share some of the key insights I gained from my Kilimanjaro experience that have guided me through the ups and downs of life after the hike.

My most recent bucket list hike was the Mount Kilimanjaro Trek, where several of us made the climb to the top of Africa. Along the way, I lost my phone—it's quite the story—but the hours I spent journaling on the way back home turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I had time to reflect on what I learned during this challenging journey.

Washy Washy

The perfect backpacking "bath" you never knew you needed! Every morning and night during my 6-day hike, my porter would bring a large bowl of warm water to my tent. Taking just a few minutes to wash "tops and tails" was the refreshment I needed to keep going. Since then, I've made this a staple for all my backpacking and camping trips.

Here's how to do it: Warm some water, add a bit of biodegradable soap, and grab a camp towel. Find a spot in your tent to clean up, and you'll feel like a million bucks.

Trust me—Washy Washy is a game-changer!

Get more one of a kind camping tips!

At Kibo Hut - 15,520 feet with our lead guide.

These lessons from the bucket list hike have been invaluable during this stage of my life.

Maybe you, like me, find it challenging to live in the present.

It's been a few years since I summited Mount Kilimanjaro with a group of strangers who quickly became friends. The memories of that adventure still inspire me as I navigate the changes in my life.

The lessons I learned at the summit continue to shape my perspective on living in the present.

Curious how? Let’s take a quick walk down memory lane before I share the 6 key lessons that hiking Mount Kilimanjaro taught me.

18 year old Melody at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro

I first summited Kilimanjaro when I was 18, and since then, I've returned to Africa a few times, especially after my high school graduation in Kenya. However, climbing Kilimanjaro for my recent bucket list adventure was a pivotal moment for me as an adult.

The return trip from this journey turned chaotic when I lost my phone. It wasn't just any phone—it contained hundreds of photos from our 10-day adventure in Tanzania, including nearly all of our group's summit shots. To make matters worse, the WiFi at our accommodation in Moshi was unreliable, so none of my photos were backed up.

kilimanjaro airport — Driving back to the airport sans iphone

The day of our return trip was chaotic, and I was sure my phone was secure, tucked away in my backpack like always. But as we cleared immigration at the tiny Kilimanjaro airport, I couldn't find it anywhere.

By the time we boarded the plane without it, I had to admit defeat.

I was furious with myself—how does a trip leader lose their phone?

I felt completely disorganized and heartbroken, knowing that all those summit photos were gone.

During the flight back, all I had was a tiny journal and a pen. You don't realize how much you rely on your smartphone during long trips until you're suddenly without it.

Today, I pulled out my journal and flipped through its pages, recalling the memories from my bucket list hike. As I reread my notes, I realized just how much I learned from the experience.

It made me curious—what insights might you discover from your own adventures? Stick around, and I'll share some of the key lessons I picked up on my journey.

Lesson One: Embrace Your Journey

As I approached Gilman’s Point, I became emotional, realizing that I was nearing the top of Africa. My 18-year-old self could never have imagined that I’d climb this mountain again as a 43-year-old wife and mother of three. It's a reminder that life takes unexpected turns, and we should embrace our journey, no matter how different it might be from our original plans.

What's something in your life that surprised you by taking an unexpected turn?

Hiking up towards Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro

Lesson Two: You Can Do Hard Things

Climbing a mountain is hard, and this climb was probably the toughest thing I’ve ever done. As we approached Uhuru, the summit, I felt like I had nothing left to give. I was completely drained. This experience taught me that even when you feel empty, you can push through. It’s about finding that inner strength to do hard things, even when it seems impossible.

When was the last time you pushed through something difficult and surprised yourself?

Hiking across the saddle toward Uhuru Peak

Lesson Three: Follow in the Footsteps of Others

When I felt completely empty and was ready to give up, I noticed LaLaunie, a fellow trekker, ahead of me. I just needed to follow her steps, one at a time.

It's how I made it to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.

At that moment, I learned that even leaders need to follow sometimes. This lesson reminds us that it's okay to lean on others for guidance and support when we need it.

Who do you rely on when you need a little guidance or support?

Porters carried our 15 kg bags the entire journey.

Lesson Four: Learn to Accept Help

It's humbling to be served. It can be difficult to let others carry your burdens, but my porter carried my 15-kilogram bag every day without complaint. He did it with joy, meeting me at the edge of the campsite each evening. He would take my day pack, then lead me to my tent, which was set up with a warm basin of water for my "washy washy."

How often do we let others experience joy by serving us?

My self-sufficiency and independence often get in the way of allowing others to share their gifts.

When was the last time you let someone help you, and how did it make you feel?

Some of our hiking group at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro

Lesson Five: It Takes a Team to Succeed

It takes a team to accomplish a goal. On this bucket list hike, we had to work together, with trekkers ranging from 74 years old to 18, to complete the journey. This experience showed me that in life, we need community and that we need each other to be successful. We can't go at it alone. Journeys are meant to be shared; they aren't meant to be undertaken solo.

Who is part of your team, and how do they help you reach your goals?

Our hiking crew (Melody is front row, second from left)

Lesson Six: Preparation is Key to Success

You need to prepare in order to succeed. All the hours I spent training paid off as I climbed. This lesson reinforced that success isn't just about reaching the summit; it's about all the small, consistent steps you take along the way. The goal becomes achievable because of the hard work and dedication you put in during the journey.

What steps are you taking now to prepare for your own goals?

The rest of the story….

About the lost phone—turns out I accidentally packed it in my checked bag. When we got back to Washington, I found it right there in my luggage.

In hindsight, I'm glad I didn't have it for the trip home. Instead of scrolling through my phone, I spent time reflecting and journaling about my Kilimanjaro hike. Now I have a journal full of my 43-year-old mountain musings, reminding me that we can do hard things.

When life's challenges come my way, I just need to take the next step.

Many of the guides, cooks and porters who made this bucket list hike happen!

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." — Eleanor Roosevelt

Today, I went for a run with my dog and soaked up the Colorado sun. I weeded my garden and baked some delectable chocolate muffins (they really are as good as they sound—thanks to Minimalist Baker!). I also spent time with my kids and prayed.

Although my day didn't unfold the way I'd expected, I remembered that my job is to hold onto hope.

To close, I leave you with a song of celebration that our Bucket List Tanzanian crew sang for us on our last day on the mountain. It was a joyful moment and a reminder that the journey is always worth it.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Lessons