By Delia Ruelas

A group of Baja Californians scaled Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, located in the United Republic of Tanzania.

Among this group of adventurers was Cesar Rivera, a Rosarito tourism promoter and certified adventure tour guide accredited at the federal level.

Rivera took on the challenge personally, joining the group with his own resources to complete the extreme trek to 5,895 meters.

“We completed a seven-day trek, covering 70 kilometers entirely on foot to reach the base of the mountain. Then, it took us five days to reach the summit.

“From the base camp to the highest peak of the African continent, we made it to the top in 7 hours and 45 minutes. It was a personal challenge, and more than anything, I brought Rosarito with me to the summit,” said Rivera.

The trip had been planned more than a year in advance, with six months of preparation, as the most difficult aspect of the climb was the altitude resistance.

“There’s no high-altitude place in Baja California that can prepare you for climbing to 5,895 meters, so part of our acclimatization involved taking the longest route.

“We started at 1,500 meters and gradually made our way to 5,895 meters. Along the way, we experienced various ecosystems and microclimates, from forests to savannahs, helping us adapt to the altitude and reach the summit.”

The group began with 10 people, but two members had to withdraw due to altitude sickness.