Two Appalachian State University sophomores, Kate Borkowski and River Savante, embarked on a significant trip to Tanzania this summer, culminating in a successful summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The expedition, which spanned almost the entirety of July, was more than a simple vacation for the roommates.
River Savante, a political science major, has traveled extensively throughout her life. Her journey began at age four with a move to Mexico, followed by time in the Marshall Islands and Nepal, where she fell in love with the Himalayas after the 2015 Gorkha earthquake. Savante has completed multiple treks to Everest Base Camp and holds the distinction of being the youngest American woman to summit Imja Tse, also known as Island Peak. For Savante, the Kilimanjaro ascent marked a return to mountaineering after a previous attempt on Mera Peak ended in an emergency evacuation.
Kate Borkowski, a sustainable development major, began her travel experiences later, initially with family. Her solo travels took off in high school, including a Spanish Club trip to Barcelona and Paris, and a program that brought her to 22 states. For Borkowski, trekking to a mountain summit was an entirely new endeavor. While she had hiked local trails, including those on Grandfather Mountain, Kilimanjaro was her first significant mountain experience.
The two students met on Instagram and became roommates during their freshman year. Their bond deepened through shared travel experiences, including a Christmas visit to Savante’s mother in Egypt and a spring break trip to Savante’s hometown in Mexico. Borkowski expressed her good fortune in the roommate pairing, noting their shared love for travel and adventure.
The Tanzania trip was organized through enlightened globetrekker adventures, a company run by Savante and her mother, with Savante serving as one of the guides. Mt. Kilimanjaro, towering at 19,341 feet, presented an intimidating challenge, especially compared to Boone's 3,000-foot elevation. Unlike many mountains, Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world and is encircled by a montane rainforest.
The trek through the rainforest to the first camp took multiple hours, with the group arriving in the dark, guided only by starlight. A key component of the Kilimanjaro experience involves local porters and guides, who are crucial for a successful summit. The expedition included approximately eight trekkers and thirty porters, who efficiently set up camp ahead of the group each day. While Kilimanjaro is often described as a non-technical climb, it demands considerable physical conditioning and mental fortitude due to its high altitude and cold temperatures. Borkowski emphasized the importance of mindset, advising to take the climb “step by step, day by day.”
After several days of trekking, the summit push began at midnight. The combination of physical and mental exertion was palpable. Borkowski recounted that the most challenging aspect was staying awake and focusing on basic movements. Following a long night illuminated by headlamps and stars, Savante, Borkowski, and their group reached Uhuru Peak at sunrise, witnessing a breathtaking view from 5,895 meters above sea level.
Beyond the mountaineering feat, the trip included a humanitarian stop in Bagamoyo, the hometown of Savante’s little sister. Borkowski raised approximately $2,500 through a separate GoFundMe, which was used to purchase suitcases full of shoes for distribution to the community. The expedition concluded with a relaxing period in Zanzibar, an island known for its natural beauty.
Both students reflect on the profound impact of their shared adventure. Borkowski described it as the most beautiful experience of her life thus far. Savante noted that travel has entirely shaped her identity, influencing her perspective on the world. They both agree that travel offers significant learning opportunities, not just about other cultures but also about oneself, encouraging others to embrace such experiences for personal growth.
