3 Mountains. 2 Countries. 1 Week: What I Learned

Work at Injaro Investments Limited is back in full swing. Firmwide, we believe 2023 holds promise. Before you start hearing all about what we’re doing to build sustainable African businesses that deliver economic and social value in 2023, let me briefly tell you how I climbed 3 mountains in 2 countries within the last week of December 2022.

Early Christmas Eve morning, my wife and I climbed Mount Afadjato (the tallest mountain in Ghana) in 45 minutes. My first mountain climb. On the afternoon of 26th December, we made it up Mount Gemi (the second tallest mountain in Ghana), followed by a visit to beautiful Ote Falls at Amedzofe. After descending the famous 259 steep steps down into a wonderful valley, I was embraced by the graceful sound of gentle waters falling from about 75 meters above from the side of an imposing mountain. More impressive is the new canopy walkway designed to give you a full view of the waterfall on one side, and the pristine views of the valley on the other. Ghana is beautiful! This breathtaking experience momentarily made me forget the arduous climb back to “ground zero.”

2 mountains in Ghana (and a waterfall) in 3 days!

On the morning of 28th December, having arrived in Cape Town (South Africa) the previous afternoon, and still “high” off the mountain climb experiences in Ghana, we found our way to the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. The mission? Hike up Table Mountain via the Skeleton Gorge trail. We consulted the information desk for tips and received elaborate guidance (with pictures and maps, including the exact spot to “turn right”) on the best way to “enjoy the views” on our climb up. Boy did that prove accurate and helpful!

Three (3) tough yet exhilarating hours later, we reached the summit of Table Mountain. Taking in the amazing views of Robbin Island, the surrounding Cape Town landscape, and hiking towards the cable car station took an extra hour. Frankly, that was when I felt relief! My left ankle was swollen alright, but it was intact. I felt proud.

You are correct in guessing we rode the cable car down Table Mountain that cold and windy afternoon. Whew!! Confession time: since that day, I mostly look at people that ride the cable car up Table Mountain with a side eye.

Certain principles espoused at Injaro Investments Limited and life lessons were reinforced for me from that adventurous week, including:

1.???You can achieve much more if only you can tune your mind to it. I felt pain from my sprained ankle, but because my mind was singularly focused on getting to the top of each mountain, I was able to tune out the pain and tune into the goal in front of me. I paid no attention to pain while in motion but rather focused on one step at a time, especially when the going got tough.

2.???Details matter with each single step. It’s one thing putting one foot ahead of the other to keep moving; but outcomes can be completely different if you put your foot on a loose rock in the wrong place or a slippery edge. So, while keeping your mind on the end goal, also do well to keep your eyes on your immediate steps.

3.???It is advantageous to know when to go at it alone, and when to get comfortable with asking for help. Mount Afadjato has a single pathway up so it was fairly easier to navigate our way up without a guide. But with multiple routes (each with its own combination of difficulty and time requirement) to the summit of Table Mountain, right guidance was crucial to a safe and fun climb. We asked questions and received the right information from that helpful guide at the Kirstenbosch Gardens information desk. Having that plan before embarking on our climb significantly enhanced our experience!

4.???Partners are crucial to achieving difficult goals. I did not see a single individual climbing or descending any of the mountains alone. Indeed, there is physical and psychological safety and motivation in teamwork, perhaps from its inherent diversity. And when the goal is achieved, victory is sweeter when shared.

5.???Panoramic views at the top are worth the hustle up. Hard work and diligence can really yield fulfilling rewards.

6.???You don’t have to come down the same way you go up- it’s alright to explore alternative strategies and routes to achieve your goals.

So, all that said, what’s on my adventure radar for 2023? I want to improve my breaststroke and stamina in the pool, get back to playing football regularly, and perhaps pick up my tennis rackets again after a 3-year “freeze”. I also have my eyes on successfully climbing Mount KILIMANJARO (from which Injaro Investments Limited derives its name). Maybe not in 2023 though. Baby steps…