About

Climber | Explorer | Earth Ambassador | Living Consciously  

Who am I and what makes me tick? 

I love to climb. I find quite a lot of enjoyment getting myself into uncomfortable situations, simple as that.

I’ve had so much fun in the great outdoors and I feel that I have a responsibility to protect it.  I want to do my best to make sure everyone gets the same kind of pleasure from nature as I always have. 

What have I been up to?

In 2010 I climbed Mount Elbrus, it was a dream of mine but I returned from the mountain in shock. Litter was scattered around the basecamps and my climbing partner almost died in attempting to summit. It made me think about the selfishness that comes with climbing. There are many who think that because they pay to be there, they don’t have to care. I refuse to be a part of that and I knew that I needed to find a way to continue climbing big mountains but in a responsible way.

That’s how KAPE 2 KENYA, and the My KAPE expeditions all started.

Since 2014, I have enrolled at the University of Cape Town where I’m majoring in Spanish, French, and African History. I’m keen to get back into my bigger expeditions when I graduate…I actually can’t wait!

Diagnosed with Epilepsy at 9, how did that affected me?

My self-confidence was shattered. It was rough, but hiking and climbing was the only thing which got me through it.

I think Kilimanjaro was the big breakthrough (in 2009). It changed my life. Before that experience, many told me and my folks that it would be irresponsible and reckless. It makes sense, epilepsy originates in the brain and the lack of oxygen and fatigue could trigger an episode.

But, I’m stubborn and I trained like a goat to make sure I was in the best state to take on the challenge.

I have Epilepsy and I have to be aware of it, but I don’t want to let it define my life. There are always “naysayers” out there, but I’ve always believed that if you do what you love you’ll find a way for it to work.

What is My KAPE? 

The climbs are for me. The work we do along the way and the way we travel are for the planet.

I hope these exciting expeditions bring awareness to the environmental and social issues that everyone is facing. However, above everything else, I hope My KAPE can inspire people to become conscientious about their actions. Instead of driving to work or school, why not cycle or carpool? Why not eat less or no meat? These simple actions will really make the impact.

My KAPE isn’t a short-term project.

Why should people care about this?

The reason for this is very simple: in our lifetime climate-change, overfishing, pollution and all these nasty things will start to affect our everyday lives, not to mention that of our children.

I don’t want that to happen and nor do I want to punt the whole “oh-all-hope-for-the-environment-is-lost”. All hope isn’t lost and I want to show off are all the awesome people, around the world, who are working towards a more sustainable future! Plus, if I can contribute by bringing awareness to Epilepsy and sustainability on my adventures, why not!

There is no overnight solution but that’s where “Making Mountain Metaphors” comes in. There’s a mountain of problems that we, as a global community, have to overcome. But if we just put one foot in front of the other, we’ll make our summit.