Pearl summits the highest peak in Africa.

Modderfontein’s Pearl Shongwe opened up about her successful summit of Africa’s highest peak during Women’s Month.

Previously, Pearl told the NEWS she was training for the big hike at the Modderfontein Reserve, among other hiking spots.

The Metro FM presenter and newsreader, went up Mount Kilimanjaro in support of the Trek for Mandela Summit, focusing on the #Caring4Girls initiative by Imbumba Foundation.

“The initiative provides sanitary towels to girls with limited or no access to sanitary wear due to poverty in order to keep the girl child in school,” said Pearl.

On a more personal note, Pearl climbed in honour of her late dad who died from stage four cancer in January 2018.

The radio personality shared details on how the summit went.

“The expedition was six days. The support of my friends on the mountain kept me going,” said Pearl.

She said the third day on the mountain was to acclamatise, but instead she struggled with loss of appetite.

During this day, the mountaineers are supposed to adjust to altitude changes.

“It was important to force myself to eat so I could regain my strength,” said Pearl.

Reaching Uhuru Peak was extremely difficult for the ‘One Day Leader SABC TV host’.

“I struggled physically after reaching Stella Point, which is the second summit point. At 8.30am, we reached Uhuru Peak which was 5 895m above sea level. I was completely spent and had very little reserves left in me.”

Pearl said when they reached the top of the mountain, it was a special moment worthy of celebration.

“The view of glaciers and the entire landscape at the top was absolutely breathtaking. I felt that I had accomplished something way bigger than myself. I felt honoured.”

“Coming down was a bigger challenge. It seemed to take forever and the impact on my knees and ankles was excruciating.”

Summiting for the same cause were popular personalities including Professor Thuli Madonsela, among others.

Pearl said she admires Madonsela even more now that she had the privilege to trek up a mountain alongside her.

Everything is unexpected on the mountain, noted the television anchor.

“It’s unlike anything I’m used to. The weather was the most unexpected. There can be four seasons in one day. I did it, I’m still standing and feeling every bit as accomplished as I should be.”

Locals who want to contribute to the cause can still Sms ‘PEARLSHONGWE’ to 45213.

The Sms will cost R30.

All proceeds will go to the Caring4Girls initiative.

Pearl’s five top tips to conquer Kili:

• Submit yourself to the mountain, it is extremely gruelling but doable.

• Let go of any mental and physical barriers.

• Focus on putting one foot in front of the other.

• Listen to your expedition leader, the guides and porters.

• Listen to your body. It is of utmost importance to report any changes to your physical well-being to your leaders and doctor, if one is available.