Climbing Kilimanjaro: A Conversation with Erika Rosivatz

For World Mental Health Day, we sat down with Erika Rosivatz, Director of Operations in Chemistry, to talk about her incredible journey climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak (5,895 meters). From the decision to take on this 8-day challenge to what she learned about resilience and mental wellbeing; Erika shares her reflections on the experience. 

Climbing Kilimanjaro is no small feat. Can you take us back to the moment you decided to do it? What drew you to the challenge? 

Erika: It actually wasn’t my idea! A friend called and asked if I wanted to join her. She said, “Life is short, let’s live it to the fullest.” It had never crossed my mind before, but I’ve always loved Africa, the people, the nature, and as an Austrian, I’ve grown up around mountains. The idea of standing on the roof of Africa felt incredible. I said yes immediately. 

I also liked that it gave me something to train for. Having a challenge ahead makes it easier to stay motivated, you don’t think, “It’s raining today, maybe I’ll skip my run.” You think, “I have a mountain to climb.” 

How did you prepare, both physically and mentally? 

Erika: We had about eight months to prepare, which was a good amount of time. There are lots of training plans available, and because I was already active, it felt manageable. Physically, it was a lot of hiking, squats and runs. 

Mentally, the preparation came in phases. There were times when I thought, “What have I done? What if I get altitude sickness? What if I can’t handle the cold?”, and I’m someone who really struggles with the cold! 

Talking it through with my friend helped. When I was anxious, she reassured me, and when she doubted herself, I did the same for her. That partnership was so important. 

I read Henry Stedman’s book on climbing Kilimanjaro, which said the climb is “20% physical and 80% mental.” I completely agree with that - though at first, no one thinks about the mental part. 

Were there moments during the climb when you doubted yourself? How did you push through? 

Erika: There were definitely difficult moments: cold nights, rain, getting up in the dark to use the toilet when it’s freezing! But during the climb, you’re so focused on the task that you don’t have much time for doubt. 

The porters and guides make an enormous difference. They’re incredible; strong, cheerful and so encouraging. They sing, they chat and they lift your spirits. Even if you don’t share a language, you find ways to connect. That sense of community really carries you through. 

Standing at the summit, what was going through your mind? What did that moment mean to you? 

Erika: Maybe because of the lack of oxygen, I don’t remember much thinking, just feeling. I felt pure happiness and awe. The view over the glacier and crater was breathtaking. 

Mostly, I felt grateful to my guide, to my friend and to the people who helped us get there. The fatigue and cold disappeared. It was all positive emotions. 

Speaking of cold, how cold was it? 

Erika: Colder than I ever imagined Africa could be! Even at the start, in the rainforest, it wasn’t warmer than 15°C. But the higher we went, the colder it got. 

On summit night, we were woken at midnight to climb in time for sunrise. My phone said it was -15°C, and that’s before the wind chill! Then, when the sun comes up, the UV is so strong at that altitude that you’re suddenly burning. You’re exposed to everything: cold, wind and intense sun. 

One of my fellow climbers summed it up beautifully in his speech: “We came thinking Africa is a hot place, and we learned it can be very cold. But even when it’s cold, it’s a warm place because of the people.” 

What has the experience taught you about resilience, and how might those lessons apply to everyday mental wellbeing? 

Erika: It reinforced how important physical activity and nature are for mental health. When you’re physically well, you can handle mental challenges much more easily. 

I also learned the value of focusing on the task at hand, not the discomfort, fatigue or anxiety. When I felt exhausted or cold, I’d look up and see the most beautiful night sky imaginable, and it reminded me to appreciate the moment. 

Focus on what you can control, let go of what you can’t, and be thankful for what you have. That mindset helps not just on mountains, but in everyday life too. 

Finally, what would you say to others thinking about taking on a challenge like this? 

Erika: You can do more than you think you can. On Kilimanjaro, I saw people of all ages, all shapes and sizes, all doing it. It really showed me how much comes down to mental strength rather than physical ability. 

If you prepare, stay positive and surround yourself with good people, you’ll surprise yourself.