Saray Khumalo: The accidental mountaineer

Here is a story about a remarkable woman named Saray Khumalo. She is not your typical mountaineer; in fact, she stumbled upon her love for climbing quite unexpectedly. But sometimes, life has a funny way of leading us to our passions.

It all began when Saray decided to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. Little did she know that this adventure would ignite a fire within her. Standing at the summit of Kilimanjaro, surrounded by breathtaking views, she felt an indescribable sense of accomplishment.

From that moment on, Saray was hooked. She couldn’t shake the desire to conquer more mountains and follow in the footsteps of those who came before her. She set her sights on an even greater challenge: Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world.

Embarking on the journey to Everest is not for the faint of heart. It takes courage, determination, and an unwavering belief in oneself. You have to be willing to push your limits both mentally and physically. Most importantly, you have to be willing to face your fears head-on.

Saray knew that climbing Everest would be no easy feat, but she refused to let fear hold her back. With every step she took, she embraced the unknown and proved to herself that she was capable of achieving the impossible.

Along her journey, Saray faced many obstacles. She encountered treacherous weather conditions, altitude sickness, and the constant threat of avalanches. There were moments when she questioned her decision and wanted to give up. But she never let those doubts consume her.

Instead, Saray found strength in the belief that she was capable of reaching the summit. She surrounded herself with a supportive team of fellow climbers who encouraged and pushed her to keep going. Together, they formed a tight-knit community, bound by their shared love for the mountains.

And finally, after months of preparation and countless setbacks, Saray stood atop the world’s highest peak. The view from the summit was unlike anything she had ever seen. In that moment, she realized that she was part of something much bigger than herself.

Saray Khumalo is more than just a mountaineer. She is a symbol of perseverance, resilience, and the power of following your dreams. Her journey teaches us that sometimes, the most extraordinary adventures in life begin with a single, unexpected step.

Hey there! I want to introduce you to Saray Khumalo, an incredible woman who has achieved something truly remarkable. She made history by becoming the first black African woman to conquer the highest peak in the world. But guess what? She’s not stopping there!

Saray has set her sights on an even bigger challenge – the Explorer’s Grand Slam. This is the ultimate goal for adventurers, where you have to summit the highest peaks on every continent and also reach the North and South Pole. And when Saray accomplishes this incredible feat, she will not only be the first black African woman, but the first African woman, regardless of color, to hold this prestigious title.

Now, let me tell you a little bit about myself. I am a mountaineer, a mother, and I recently took early retirement from my corporate job. I’ve also become an executive coach and an author. My book, “My Journey to the Top of the World…And the Lessons I Learned Along the Way,” is a memoir that tells the story of who I am.

I grew up as one of seven girls raised by a single mother. I always believed that I was just an ordinary person. But then, something amazing happened. I started climbing mountains and discovered that I could reach extraordinary heights – both literally and figuratively.

So, let me leave you with this thought. No matter who you are or where you come from, you have the power to achieve truly extraordinary things. Just like Saray and myself, you have the ability to go beyond your limits and conquer any challenge that comes your way.

I never planned on becoming a mountaineer. It was something that happened by chance, almost like crossing an item off a wish list that I didn’t even know existed. You see, I decided to climb a mountain to raise money for a home that takes care of kids who live on the streets. Little did I know that this experience would transform my perspective on life.

During the climb, one of the children I met reminded me of myself when I was younger. Growing up, I had this belief that people like us were not meant to achieve great things, like conquering mountains. But this encounter made me realize that I was wrong. I wanted to prove that anyone, regardless of their background, could accomplish extraordinary feats.

So, why did I embark on this journey? It was for that little girl, for my own children, and for anyone who has ever felt underestimated or unseen. I wanted to challenge the notion that success and greatness are reserved for a select few. And deep down, I knew that education played a pivotal role in breaking free from those limiting beliefs.

That’s why I am so passionate about investing in education, not just for myself but for others as well. I believe that knowledge has the power to open doors, to bridge gaps, and to level the playing field. By providing opportunities for education, we can empower individuals to defy the odds and rewrite their own narratives.

So, how did my accidental mountaineering journey lead me here? It’s all because someone believed in me and supported my education. And now, it’s my turn to pay it forward, to inspire others to challenge their own self-imposed limitations and dare to dream.

When I first tried to climb Everest in 2014, there was a tragic avalanche that took the lives of 16 Sherpas. I felt like I didn’t belong up there, struggling with imposter syndrome. But seeing those Sherpas perish made me realize something profound. They were just as afraid as I was. The truth is, we all come into this world and we all eventually leave it. Whether we’re sitting at home or on top of a mountain, death will find us where we are. What really matters is how we live our lives.

In 2015, I went back to Nepal just in time for the earthquake. It was a devastating event that claimed the lives of 22 people at Base Camp. The entire country suffered, with a loss of 9,000 lives. It was during this time that I experienced something I had never known before – a bone-chilling cold that seemed to penetrate my very soul. Stuck at camp two for two nights, I couldn’t help but wonder how I would survive.

The following year, in 2016, I found myself unable to afford a return trip. Determined to make it happen, I put all my effort into securing funding. I must have written over 200 proposals, pouring my heart into each word. However, I faced a disheartening reality – some people questioned who would be accompanying me, as if I couldn’t trek on my own. The negativity was overwhelming, and I encountered a lack of trust that a white male wouldn’t face. It was at that moment that my quest for education evolved into a fight for representation. My goal was to prove that anyone, regardless of their gender or ethnicity, could achieve greatness. But life had other plans for me. In August, I had a horrific accident while mountain biking. The accident left me in a coma for three agonizing weeks.

I had a nasty fall and injured my head. It was during the month of September when I decided to resume my usual walking routine. As October rolled around, I felt confident enough to start running again. I had signed up for the Soweto Marathon, which was scheduled for the first week of November. At first, I had planned to participate in the 21-kilometer race, but as I observed the joyous expressions on the faces of those tackling the full 42-kilometer challenge, I couldn’t resist the temptation to join them.

And so, with a surge of determination, I embarked on the longer race. Despite the pain and exhaustion, I kept pushing forward, refusing to give up. Finally, I crossed the finish line, triumphant and filled with a sense of accomplishment. The race took place on a beautiful Sunday, and on the very next day, I found myself at Milpark Hospital, eager to share my victory with the doctor.

With an air of confidence, I declared, “Doctor, I have just completed a grueling 42-kilometer run. Surely, I can handle any physical challenge that comes my way.”

In 2017, I had a remarkable experience climbing Mount Everest. I had successfully reached the South Summit, coming within a mere 99 meters of the peak. However, Mother Nature had other plans, as the weather suddenly turned treacherous. We made the wise decision to retreat to camp four and wait for conditions to improve.

To my dismay, I couldn’t shake off the discomfort I felt. Before I knew it, I found myself losing consciousness in what is known as the “death zone.” It was an incredibly perilous situation. Despite his own condition, my Sherpa companion made the difficult choice to leave me and seek assistance.

Eventually, a team of Sherpas arrived and fished me out of danger. As we made our way back to camp, we were met with a devastating sight – our tent, our refuge against the elements, had been mercilessly carried away by the powerful wind. We had no choice but to make do with an improvised shelter.

My memory of what transpired next is hazy, as I drifted in and out of consciousness, relying on the life-giving oxygen from a portable tank. Almost 30 hours later, I miraculously regained consciousness. As I opened my eyes, I caught a glimpse of Everest towering above me, its majestic peak seemingly within reach.

In that moment, I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of sadness and frustration. So close, yet so far. Doubts started to creep in as I pondered the words of those who had doubted my abilities. Perhaps they were right after all.

When I returned home, my body was frozen and my hope was extinguished. Despite the bitter cold, I continued to train because it had become a part of my daily routine. However, I abandoned the practice of writing letters.

In 2019, when my dear friend passed away, it made me realize the unpredictability of life. It reminded me that tomorrow is never guaranteed. It was during this time that Noel Hanna reached out to me and told me about his plans to go to Nepal. Without hesitation, I decided to join him on this journey. On May 16, 2019, I successfully reached the summit. It was an awe-inspiring experience, standing above the clouds, reaffirming my mother’s words that the sky is the limit.

Despite facing multiple challenges and attempting the climb four times, I never gave up. I believe the next person who looks like me will achieve this feat even quicker, because I paved the way and showed them what is possible. Knowing that my perseverance has set an example is truly satisfying.

During my climbing journey, I took it upon myself to make a difference by raising funds for education. This is how Summits with Purpose was born. Instead of just climbing for personal achievement, I realized it was an opportunity to make an impact. Through my efforts, I have managed to raise over R2.6 million, which has been used to build five libraries and support digital learning.

Hey there! So I’m currently on this amazing adventure where I’m climbing the highest peaks on every continent and skiing to the North and South Pole. It’s been quite the journey so far! I’ve already conquered Kilimanjaro and even made it to the top of Everest. Right before Covid hit, I managed to ski to the South Pole. I’ve also tackled Aconcagua and Mount Elbrus, and just recently returned from Denali.

Next up on my list is Mount Vinson. I’m really excited about it! I’m still waiting for my chance to conquer Carstensz Pyramid, and in April, I’ll be heading off to the North Pole. It’s a pretty incredible challenge, and I’ll be joining a super exclusive group of just 71 people who have accomplished it. But here’s the thing – no black or white African woman has ever been a part of that group. That’s something I hope to change!

We all have our own personal mountains. What makes mountains so captivating is that they level the playing field. Mountains don’t care about our agendas or our differences. They treat us all the same and humble us in the process. It may not always be a towering peak like Everest; it could be a challenge in the boardroom or a test of endurance on a bike ride. No matter what your mountain looks like, it’s important to be grateful when you conquer it. And once you reach the top, remember to lend a helping hand to others who are still climbing.

Now, let’s take a look at the five things I always carry in my backpack:

1. Vuvuzela:

This is my mascot. It’s a small reminder of why I do what I do. Inside it, I have little sayings and quotes that my family has given me. It serves as a constant reminder to stay strong and courageous.

2. Whistle:

I believe every hiker should have a whistle with them. If anything goes wrong, I want to be able to make noise and get attention, even if I can’t shout for help.

3. First Aid Kit:

Safety always comes first. I never leave home without a well-stocked first aid kit. You never know when you or someone else might need it on the journey.

4. Snacks and Water:

Keeping yourself fueled and hydrated is essential when you’re on the move. I always pack some healthy snacks and a water bottle to make sure I stay energized and refreshed.

5. Journal and Pen:

Lastly, I bring a small journal and pen to document my experiences along the way. It’s a great way to reflect, capture memories, and jot down any important thoughts or ideas that come to mind.

So, whether you’re venturing out into the wilderness or tackling the challenges of everyday life, having these essentials in your backpack can make a big difference. Be prepared, stay positive, and never forget to enjoy the journey.

One thing that’s absolutely essential? Well, you know, biltong! Can’t live without it. But it disappears so quickly!

And you know what else is important? Having a Garmin inReach. Why? Because when I’m way up there, my cell phone? Totally useless. Can’t get a signal for anything.

That’s why I carry my Garmin inReach with me everywhere. It’s like my lifeline. With it, I can always keep in touch with my kids. You know, communication is key!

This awesome piece originally appeared in the February 2023 print edition of the amazing Getaway magazine.

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