One early June morning just outside a Kampala city mall, 50 athletes, socialites in pink sneakers, journalists, work colleagues, strangers and friends gathered for an adventure with a mindful cause: climbing a mountain to raise awareness for Grace Villa sanctuary for vulnerable girls and battered women. The itinerary was well though out. A photo-op at the Equator; roadside Muchomo and Gonja breaks (beef or chicken roasted on a stick and roasted plantain); coffee at a museum that features huge local sculptures; crowned by a visit to the girls in Kabale for whom we traveled. We walked in through their gate to find the most wonderful explosion of color and sounds before us! They had formed two long receiving lines, with dancers in the middle who beckoned and spread petals at our feet as they led us in, dancing all the way. The local Kikiga drum beat and dance was intoxicating - and we joined in. Upon recovery, we were given a home tour, then sat down for a snack prepared by the young ladies themselves, as we listened to their tough but inspiring stories of triumph. We reluctantly left later that evening for Gahinga Lodge in Kisoro which had generously given us a large discount, as their contribution towards Grace Villa. It was a magnificent treat that most of us would not normally afford, and we filled all the rooms to capacity. As we settled in for the night in our cozy beds, toes warmed by hot-water bottles that the staff tucked into our beds, we couldn’t stop thinking about Grace Villa. We would never forget. Early the next morning, we drew our curtains back to reveal it. Muhabura, or Muhavura, depending upon which local you asked. THE mythical mountain, made famous in legendary Dian Fossey‘s book “Gorillas In The Mist”. After a carb-loaded breakfast and armed with packed lunch boxes from the generous chef, we jumped into our buses and drove along the bumpy road to the starting point of the climb. After a helpful warmup yoga session and briefing by Uganda Wildlife Association officials, we were flagged off! And armed with provided bamboo sticks, we started the 4,127 meters ascent. It was grueling, extreme yet scenic climbing right from the start. First through the most mountainous of rainforests, brushing past majestic 100+ year old pre historic mahogany trees and other rare fauna. Bwindi impenetrable forest is home to 120 species of mammals from gorillas & baboons to forest elephants, 348 species of birds, butterflies and more. In here lived the First People of the forest: the Batwa pygmies who gathered and hunted for over 500,000 years in harmony with their beloved forest and wildlife, leaving barely an ecological footprint behind them. Section after section unfolded wondrously, like turning the pages of an exotic botanical magazine. This helped us occasionally forget our pain. The thick rainforest gave way to bare mangled trees, then desert-like terrain that stretched for miles, which turned to meadows scattered with large volcanic rocks and plant life that looked like it belonged on the moon. Eventually we were above the clouds! The peaks of mountains Mgahinga and Sabinyo loomed below us. Breathtaking. Excited conversation petered away. Exhaustion kicked in. Some started falling behind, gave up, turned back. I would beg my guide Mark (who at this point had become my best friend on earth) to let me stop. Feeling rested, I would get up with energy, start walking, only to sink to the ground 5 steps later. We later learnt that the alarming lack of energy was an effect of the shift in altitude. Some annoying members of our group had no trouble at all, prancing up to the peak. We were still struggling up as they raced past us on their way back down, effortlessly bounding over fallen tree trunks and rocks. All who peaked Muhavura triumphantly posed with the Grace Villa banner, next to the curious caldera (crater lake) that’s up there. Last reserves of energy were summoned for the grueling, slippery descent. We eventually hit base, and gratefully pulled ourselves into the awaiting buses. It was after 10pm. Everything ached. But we proudly wore it like a badge of honor. We were Mountain Climbers.