![\"\"](\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/joburg-west\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2024\/02\/SM-Adia-267x400.jpg\")
<\/p>\nAin\u2019t no mountain high enough for 14-year-old Adia Coetzer who conquered the
\nhighest peak on the African continent \u2013 Mount Kilimanjaro.<\/p>\n
And the best part? The thought of doing it never even occurred to Adia Coetzer until a teacher mentioned the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity one morning during assembly about a year ago.<\/p>\n
\u201cI remember being silly with my friends, joking about doing it. And, in the spirit of being funny, I joined the teacher\u2019s Kilimanjaro WhatsApp group. I honestly didn\u2019t think I was actually going to do it at the time. The next thing I knew, a few months had passed and I was at the airport on my way to Tanzania!\u201d<\/p>\n
Although adventure has always been in Adia\u2019s blood, this was by far the most spontaneous thing she\u2019d ever done. She admits though, she wasn\u2019t exactly in tip-top shape beforehand. But, who needs to be when you\u2019ve got guts, right? It\u2019s all about mind over matter \u2013 in Adia\u2019s case, at least.<\/p>\n
In fact, nothing – not even a delayed flight leading to a sleep-deprived seven-hour trek on day one – could stop this daring teen. She was determined to push through. And boy is she glad she did.<\/p>\n
Think extraordinary views, twinkling stars and a passionate Kilimanjaro crew singing, dancing and keeping spirits high. Her fave part? The views … by far! Nothing compares to being above the clouds and soaking in the African sun.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
As for the weather \u2026 let\u2019s just say she got all four seasons in one week. From sweating buckets to teeth-chattering cold! But, when she finally reached the peak during the wee hours of the morning, all that hardship just seemed to melt away.<\/p>\n
Hands down, it was the toughest thing she\u2019s ever pulled off, but ask her if she\u2019d do it again, and she\u2019ll scream \u201cHeck yes!\u201d before you can blink.<\/p>\n
But, don\u2019t be mistaken – this hardcore adventurer has a little diva in her too! For Adia, school holidays shout \u2018manicure\u2019, and don\u2019t think trekking through a Tanzanian mountain range stopped her from adding those nail tips!<\/p>\n
\u201cYes it was challenging at times\u201d, Adia chuckles \u201cespecially when I had to put on extra thick gloves for the sub-zero temperatures, but at least I knew my nails looked good underneath!\u201d<\/p>\n
When she isn\u2019t busy proving that age is but a number, Adia is all about the good stuff. Reading – especially Shakespeare – learning Spanish and hanging out with friends. Because, life\u2019s all about the climb, right?<\/p>\n
Adia tells us more about her 19 300 foot antics.<\/strong> What would you do differently next time?<\/strong> The most challenging part?<\/strong> Biggest lesson learned?<\/strong> Three things you couldn\u2019t have gone without?<\/strong> The golden rule?<\/strong> Advice for others wanting to climb Kilimanjaro?<\/strong> Must-have qualities to conquer the mountain?<\/strong> What\u2019s your life motto?<\/strong> Adia\u2019s fave feel-good hiking smoothie<\/strong> 5 Must-try hiking trails in the area<\/strong> \u2022 Kings Kloof Farm<\/strong> – Trails start from 5.6km up until 26.6km. Be sure to bring a big bottle of water as there are no water points along the trails and lots of snacks to keep yourself going. They also advise that you choose the correct difficulty level for your fitness level.<\/p>\n \u2022 Kloofendal Nature Reserve<\/strong> \u2013 This hidden gem is home to a number of small mammals such as duiker, mountain reedbuck, dassie, mongoose and so much more. There is a stone amphitheatre with picnic facilities, walking trails of various distances, and a dam with a hide. And, of course, a 4.7km loop trail.<\/p>\n \u2022 Sterkfontein Trail<\/strong> \u2013 This 5km trail is considered a moderately challenging route. But, it\u2019s still a beautiful and peaceful hike. It\u2019s great for the whole family, but it\u2019s quite exposed with little shade for most of the way. So, just remember your sunblock, as with any hike.<\/p>\n \u2022 Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge<\/strong> – With over 50 kilometres of mountain biking and hiking trails there\u2019s a special experience for every level of athlete. Think varied terrain from forests to mountains, with over 20 species of wild animals!<\/p>\n Compiled by: ALANICKA LOTRIET.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Ain\u2019t no mountain high enough for 14-year-old Adia Coetzer who conquered the highest peak on the African continent \u2013 Mount Kilimanjaro. And the best part? The thought of doing it never even occurred to Adia Coetzer until a teacher mentioned the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity one morning during assembly about a year ago. \u201cI remember being silly […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":121,"featured_media":19254,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[40,20],"tags":[7231,7227,2555,5770,79,7229,7230,1476,5597,7228,7232,94,7233,5651],"class_list":{"0":"post-19252","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-people","8":"category-personalities","9":"tag-14-year-old","10":"tag-adia-coetzer","11":"tag-adventure","12":"tag-alanicka-lotriet","13":"tag-andre-the-aardvarks-adventure","14":"tag-climb","15":"tag-conquer","16":"tag-get-it-magazine","17":"tag-joburg-west","18":"tag-mount-kilimanjaro","19":"tag-opportunity","20":"tag-peak","21":"tag-summit","22":"tag-teen"},"yoast_head":"\n
\nYour experience in 3 words?<\/strong>
\nAmazing. Breathtaking. Challenging.<\/p>\n
\nI will pack lighter because I really didn\u2019t need all the stuff I thought I\u2019d need. And, let\u2019s just say that the bulk of my preparation was mentally. So, next time I\u2019d focus more on the physical, haha.<\/p>\n
\nAltitude sickness. When you reach a certain height, the air becomes thinner and suddenly you can\u2019t walk two steps without gasping for air. And, you feel dizzy, like someone hit you over the head with a hammer. I was also super nauseous. But the thought of summiting (reaching the peak) kept me going.<\/p>\n
\nThe journey taught me a lot about endurance, and not giving up. And, pushing through especially when you feel like throwing in the towel. Nothing compares to that feeling of accomplishment when you finally reach the top.<\/p>\n
\nWet wipes. Lip balm. And my gaters.<\/p>\n
\nDon\u2019t go if you don\u2019t feel like it. You should be 100 percent committed. Your state of mind plays a huge role \u2013 so, if you\u2019re doubting yourself or your capabilities, this might not be for you.<\/p>\n
\nDrink as much water as your body can possibly take, then drink a little more. And, many people give up at the first stop. Don\u2019t! It gets better as you go along. Just push through. Oh, and whatever you do, don\u2019t forget the toilet paper!<\/p>\n
\nEndurance. Willpower. The ability to go with the flow. Oh, and be careful not to overthink it. Otherwise, you might just create a mental block for yourself. Just relax – it\u2019s an adventure.<\/p>\n
\nHakuna Matata. There are no troubles. Sometimes it just feels like I\u2019m sitting in a boat on the sea and I\u2019m just going where it takes me. Just say yes to new stuff. You only live once. Use your time to the fullest and have fun.<\/p>\n
\nYou\u2019ll need:<\/em> 1 banana, 1 large handful of blueberries and\/ or strawberries or raspberries (frozen or fresh), 100ml almond milk, 1 tsp chia seeds, cinnamon, 2 dates (without core), some oat flakes if desired.
\nTo make:<\/em> Put all ingredients in the blender, mix well and enjoy! The milk can also be replaced with yoghurt.
\nExtra enjoyment:<\/em> Switch it up with various toppings such as nut butter, granola, nuts, desiccated coconut or cocoa. If you don\u2019t have all the ingredients for the drinks at home, that\u2019s no problem, because it still tastes great even with fewer ingredients!<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden Trail<\/strong> – A 3.9km loop trail in Roodepoort which is generally considered a moderately challenging route. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and walking, so you\u2019ll likely encounter other people while exploring.<\/p>\n