For fitness coach and influencer Ariel Belgrave (@gymhooky), life usually moves fast. Her world is built around planks, PRs, and pushing limits. But on Mount Kilimanjaro, the path to success follows a very different rhythm.
Pole, pole — the Swahili phrase for “slowly, slowly.”
It’s a mantra every climber hears on the trail to the Roof of Africa, and one that challenges even the fittest athletes. What happens when a high-performance coach trades intensity for patience on a multi-day climb?
That question brought Ariel to Kilimanjaro with Thomson Treks.
Thomson Treks has guided thousands of climbers to the summit of Kilimanjaro — from elite athletes to first-time adventurers — by focusing on what truly matters on the mountain: experience, a safety-first mindset, and the discipline to go slowly.
For Ariel, the climb became more than a physical challenge. It was a lesson in pacing, trust, and intentional progress — one that reshaped how she thinks about leadership, resilience, and success.
She took time to get to know many members of the team, including her personal porter, Aggie.
“I love learning people’s stories, and Aggie was incredible. It was a really big deal that she was a woman working as a porter, and hearing her story made me appreciate even more what it takes to guide climbers up Mount Kilimanjaro. That connection made it a deeply human experience.”
Ariel also formed strong bonds with fellow trekkers, discovering how important community can be when facing something difficult.
“I summited,” she says, “but I didn’t climb alone.”
“Our guide MC was structured, professional, and attentive — making sure we started and ended on time, checking our heart rates and oxygen levels, and guiding us with both precision and care. Hearing what’s required to be a guide gave us a whole new perspective on their expertise and dedication. The Thomson Treks guides are the crème de la crème.”
Throughout the journey, one word came up again and again: asante — thank you.
“We said it constantly because we were so amazed by how much care and attention the team gave us. Hearing how long many of them had worked for Thomson Treks, and how they spoke about the company, was really special. You could tell they genuinely love what they do. They’re truly ride or die.”
Summit Day: Pushing Through Together
As the sun crept over the horizon, casting a golden glow across the rugged slopes and revealing Kilimanjaro’s peak, the enormity of the climb hit Ariel. The trail lay ahead, and with every step, anticipation surged — the summit was within reach.
But the final push tested her limits.
“As we trekked closer to Stella Point, my quads started spasming from a previous injury,” Ariel recalls. “There was a moment when I thought, oh my gosh, can I do this?”
That’s when support made all the difference.
“The guides and other trekkers really showed up. In that last hour, we were pushing each other — ‘You’ve got this.’ At one point, the staff even joked they’d hold me up if they had to.”
The climb also reminded her of the value of accepting help.
“I can be stubborn and say, ‘No, I got it,’ but this showed me that sometimes you don’t. That’s why the support is there.”
At the summit, struggle gave way to exhilaration.
“Once I got to the top, you wouldn’t even know what I had been through. When you see the pictures and videos, you’d never guess what happened right before. I was at an all-time high. All the preparation and anticipation — finally achieving what I set out to do — just came flooding in, and the joy was palpable.
I’m from Trinidad and Tobago, and waving my flag in front of the summit sign made the moment even more special. Step by step, pole, pole, reaching the summit — the raw power of the mountain and the altitude made it even more incredible. I just embraced it.”
Standing at the top of Africa carried deeper meaning:
“As a woman — a Black woman — reaching the summit was symbolic. It felt bigger than me. A reminder that we can do bold, courageous things, even in spaces where we’ve never been before.”
She hopes the achievement inspires others.
“I hope that by reaching the top, I can encourage others to do the same. After three months of training for a challenge unlike anything I’d attempted before, Kilimanjaro became a defining milestone. I’m still talking about it every day — it’s going to be a staple achievement in my life.”
Leadership Lessons from the Mountain: Embracing Pole, Pole
The philosophy of pole, pole — slowly, slowly — stayed with Ariel long after the climb. In fitness, as on the mountain, pushing harder isn’t always the answer.
“I have been talking a lot about it,” she says. “For me, it ties directly to leadership and longevity, and what it really means to slow down in order to speed up. You don’t muscle through it. You don’t power through it. You take your time — and that’s what allows you to reach the top.”
Nature, Adventure, and Transformation
The experience also sparked a new appreciation for time spent in nature.
“Being fully present in nature was something I really enjoyed. It felt empowering, and it’s what made this trip so epic.”
“I’m an adventure gal to the max. I love trying new things and sharing those stories. Going forward, I want to prioritize experiences that get me outside — hiking, nature, things like that.”
For her, connecting with the natural environment adds a deeper dimension to travel.
“Sometimes you can do all the touristy stuff somewhere. But what does it look like to experience the natural essence of that place?”
Ariel’s Advice for Future Kilimanjaro Trekkers
Ariel’s advice for anyone considering the climb is simple: have the courage to do it.
“If it’s on your bucket list, just do it. It’s easy to create reasons why the timing isn’t right, but sometimes you just have to go for it.”
Preparation is key.
“I trained for three months, and that made a huge difference. There are so many fears you can build up before the climb — how hard it is, stories about people not finishing — but preparation really helps you push past that.”
Just as important is choosing the right team.
“With Thomson Treks, everything was so thoughtfully planned. At no point did I feel like I forgot something or wasn’t ready. That kind of support lets you focus on the experience.”
More Than a Summit
Every trekker arrives on Kilimanjaro with a different story and leaves with something unique — adventure, connection, or resilience. For nearly everyone, the mountain leaves a mark that stays long after the descent.
Ready to make it your own? Thomson Treks offers guided climbs that help you reach the summit safely while fully experiencing the mountain’s challenge and beauty.