Couple's six-day hike 'to the roof of Africa' raised over €7,000 for the Meningitis Research Foundation

Dunsany’s Alexander Smyth and his partner Elisha Stewart had an epic six-day trek to the ‘roof of Africa’ as they banded together to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

Their six-day hike ran from 22nd to 28th August, as they raised over €7,000 for the Meningitis Research Foundation. Now returned and rested from the trip, Alexander was able to reflect on one of the biggest physical challenges of his life.

The Dunsany footballer and Kilmessan hurler said that they were inspired to take on the African hike after a trip to the Dolomites in Italy last year. After fellow mountaineers recommended Kilimanjaro as their next feat, the couple were totally on board for the challenge. Then, when the University of Limerick climbs Kilimanjaro campaign presented itself to them, the stars aligned.

Having known for some time that they would be taking on the peak of almost 20,000 feet, they were able to balance training and fundraising, but it wasn’t easy, Alexander revealed.

“I was working full-time and Elisha is in full time education - so it was a lot… It was enjoyable through the stress. We learned to live in chaos.”

Alexander was thankful that being a dual-player helped his fitness in terms of preparation, but stated that taking on such a challenge requires special considerations.

“The aerobic side of my conditioning was covered thanks to football and hurling, but endurance was a big thing. We did a lot of stairmaster training. We actually didn't do a whole lot of hiking in preparation, believe it or not, which, looking back on it, would have been nice. But, we were both very busy.”

Describing it as a ‘bucket-list experience’ for them, Alexander said that both his and Elisha’s family had hiked the mountain themselves in the past, meaning they were able to lean on their advice. As for Alexander’s father, his concerns were elsewhere.

“My dad was more worried about the fact that it was in the middle of the championship,” the Dunsany footballer laughed. “But I said to him; ‘I might not have a chance to climb Kilimanjaro next year, but I know 100 per cent the championship will be there next year.’”

In terms of feelings of anticipation prior to their ascent, Alexander said, “It was a lot of excitement, but also a little bit of worry.” He added that altitude sickness was the consistent warning point they were made aware of before their journey. “You don’t really know how your body will react until you’re on the mountain.

“The mentality beforehand was good. It was calm - but exciting. We did have some fear that we might get sick. You can be as fit as you want, but anyone can get altitude sickness and it's down to genetics."

A group of 92 ascended up the mountain, which included guides, chefs, and porters. Although he was surprised by the number of people joining them, the Meath mountaineer said everyone played their role.

“I can’t see how we would have gotten to the top without every single one of them.”

He added: “That whole Hakuna Matata phrase - meaning ‘there are no worries’ - it’s a real thing there. They say it daily… You never felt like a nuisance, they were always willing to help.”

Taking the Machame route, Alexander and Elisha’s hike was a four-and-a-half day ascent, followed by a two-day descent. “It was really unique. Kilimanjaro has a lot of landscapes to it.”

Their journey brought them through rainforests with monkeys all the way to frosty mountaintops, where those on the hike couldn’t help but notice the cold. “You could see the frost building on the jackets… You’re drinking water that is like slush. It’s around -15 degrees at the top.”

The first days of the hike were for the most part enjoyable, meaning that Alexander and Elisha were able to soak in the feat that they were in the process of completing. “We were soaking it in. The days were long, but they weren’t strenuous.” However, when ‘summit night’ came for their final ascent, things changed.

“We started at 11pm, aiming to reach the highest point by sunrise. Your body is under a lot of stress. You’re breathing 10 per cent oxygen as opposed to 21 per cent. It was like breathing through a straw.

“Summit night was tough, you’re fighting sleep. It was a mental battle. A lot of us were taking it one step at a time.

“When it came to summit night, we all had to lock in. We went from laughing and joking, to focusing. It was more of a grind.”

Alexander said that he was fortunate enough on the hike to sleep well and avoid sickness, but couldn’t say the same for Elisha, who was forced to persevere.

“Elisha was feeling under the weather. But we had an amazing group of friends who were supportive. We all stuck together.”

Despite the struggles, and Elisha wrestling sickness, Alexander had no hesitation that their endeavours were worth it. “To climb the highest freestanding mountain in the world with your partner was an incredible feeling. It was like time stopped when you were up there. Standing on the summit, knowing you’re on the roof of Africa, was the best experience of my life so far.”

Although it would take them another two days to return down the mountain, the Kilmessan hurler said that spirits among his camp were high after making it to the summit.

“Everyone was in really high spirits, although we were very sleep deprived at that point. But, you're all in really good spirits… knowing you’re going back to a little bit of normality is nice.”

Alexander and Elisha’s next adventure is not set in stone, however, they are eyeing up a trip to South America for their next outing. As for those who may be considering lacing up hiking boots for the first time, the Dunsany man had a clear message.

“If anyone is considering it, I would say: take the chance. It’s not just about reaching the summit. From the first day to the last, it’s an incredible experience. If you’re thinking of doing it, don’t spend too much time second guessing yourself. Just book it.”