Last year, I went hiking with a few friends, and by the time we completed the Big Five—Gahinga, Sabyinyo, Bisoke, Muhabura, and Karisimbi—we felt like winners. The memories are priceless; the body still says “thank you” for the intense workout. Summer is the best time to hike, and my friends are already planning how to make this year more challenging and enjoyable. I have mixed feelings; I still recall the pain I went through when we embarked on the five volcanoes challenge in five weeks. On one hand, the muscle pains during and after the hike are fresh and gruesome memories. On the other hand, I also remember how fun it was, the stories, the people, and the beautiful scenery on top of the mountains. I want to do it again. Here is why: It is a physical exercise that is both demanding and rewarding. When I started the challenge last year, I had gained weight beyond my comfort zone and wanted to shed a few kilos. By the end of the five volcanoes challenge, I had lost five kilos through fun and workout. You start as a group, moving at a relatively similar pace and engaged in stories. As you summit, each one drops to their own pace, and the conversation begins to reduce. Your mouth and lungs compete for air; soon, everyone is quiet and alone. Your body, mind, and soul are all in one silent place; as you reflect on yourself, it feels like meditation. When my legs were giving up, my brain was telling me to keep pushing, and at one point, I had so much internal fight that I had to say to myself, ‘Shut up and keep moving.’ After a couple of hikes, I learned how to sync my body and mind with those two guys; working together, the fun began, and there was nothing more beautiful and satisfying. By the time we were hiking Karisimbi, I had learned much about my body. I had discovered muscles I didn’t know existed and drew strength in ways that pushed my limits and abilities, and all this through pain. I learned my optimal pace for a long hike and when to rehydrate. I also mastered the type and amount of food to eat before or during a hike. I also discovered that one only requires a little food to survive or live a good life. We tend to overeat, taking us out of the optimal working window. Since completing the hiking challenge, my view of life, food, and what my body needs has never been the same. And here is a bonus: in addition to the health benefits of hiking, the experience is yet another opportunity to appreciate the beauty of our motherland. Rwanda ni nziza pe: as a photographer who loves documenting each step, I am always blown away. The trail offer breathtaking views of the landscape. You get to enjoy the beautiful trees and rivers, the birds, and sometimes if you are lucky enough, a sneak peek of the gorillas. At some point, I was close to giving up. I started to reflect on my family: my kids and my wife. I dreamed of returning to them with stories and seeing their happy faces, and their presence kept pushing me forward. With persistence, you eventually hit the summit. I can assure you that the feeling of conquering a mountain cannot be matched. But in the end, I believe what we conquer is not mountains but ourselves. That satisfaction of pushing yourself to the limit and beyond is one experience that has convinced me to sign up for the next hike. I hope to see you there, say hello, and network as we take in the beauty of Rwanda.
