POLOKWANE – Two determined adventurers, Tlou Masehela (40) and Eric Ndou (46), set out on an incredible challenge: conquering both the Kilimanjaro Marathon and the climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The Kilimanjaro Marathon took place on February 23 in Moshi, Tanzania, followed by the six-day trek to the summit from February 26 to March 3. This was no spur-of-the-moment decision as both spent two years researching and preparing for the dual challenge ahead. A seasoned long-distance runner, Ndou was no stranger to endurance challenges. His frequent travels to Tanzania and Kenya ignited his passion for running, pushing him to take on this incredible feat.

But it wasn’t easy.

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Two determined adventurers, Tlou Masehela and Eric Ndou, set out on an incredible challenge: conquering both the Kilimanjaro Marathon and the climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. #polokwane #Kilimanjaro #FYP

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“Completing the Kilimanjaro Marathon was tough,” he said. “The elevation, gravel terrain, high altitudes, strong winds and freezing temperatures made it one of the hardest races I’ve done. Summit day was especially brutal with the steep climbs and harsh weather.”

For Masehela, this journey was about testing his own boundaries. Approaching his 40th birthday, he set his sights on the Kilimanjaro Marathon after completing the Comrades Marathon in 2023. What started as a bucket list item soon became a serious goal. “The marathon itself was gruelling – tough climbs, extreme heat and unexpected terrain changes. And then came the climb. The freezing temperatures, strong winds, and snow made every step a challenge. What we didn’t anticipate was the 28km of gravel on race day due to a new route – something that wasn’t widely known beforehand.”

Each day of the summit climb involved trekking for 3-7 hours, gaining around 650m in elevation. Clear skies were often accompanied by winds and freezing temperatures, dropping to -3°C at night. By the third camp, known as 3rd Cave, they encountered biting cold winds and snowflakes for the first time – a sure sign they were getting closer to their goal. “That night was brutal,” Masehela recalled. “Three pairs of socks and two thermal pants barely kept the cold at bay.”

On the final push to the summit from Kibo Hut at 00:30, the winds were relentless, and the seven-hour climb felt never-ending. “The cold was unbearable,” they remember, but their determination carried them through to the peak.

Both Ndou and Masehela walked away with life-changing lessons.

Kilimanjaro Marathon:
A 6 day trek

Each day of the summit climb involved trekking for 3-7 hours, gaining around 650m in elevation.

Masehela’s key takeaways:

• Take care of yourself – Physical, mental, and emotional well-being matter.
• Develop resilience and self-belief – Confidence and perseverance help to overcome obstacles.
• Value relationships and support – Surrounding yourself with the right people makes a difference.
• Connect with your inner self – Self-reflection fosters purpose and awareness.

Ndou’s key takeaways:

• Prioritise your health and well-being – Physical and mental health are the foundation for success.
• Celebrate small wins – Acknowledging progress fuels motivation and resilience.
• Embrace the ‘Pole-Pole’ mindset – Slow and steady progress leads to success.
• Cherish support from loved ones – A strong network provides encouragement and strength.