Nicky Ellul, a seasoned mountaineer from Malta, has achieved another significant step in his quest to eventually summit Mount Everest.

On 12 June at 06:18 local time, the 42-year-old reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, standing at 5,895 metres. This climb formed part of his intensive preparation for his next major objective, Himlung Himal in Nepal, which rises to 7,126 metres.

Unlike many who treat Kilimanjaro as a final goal, Ellul viewed it as part of a broader journey. What made this ascent particularly notable was his decision to complete it without using altitude sickness medication, a choice that added to the physical and mental demands.

 

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“This was never just about reaching the top,” Ellul said. “I’m using each climb to build the skills and strength I’ll need for bigger challenges. There are no shortcuts.”

Conditions were far from ideal. The early stages were marked by heavy rain, which soaked his equipment and made progress difficult. The final ascent to Uhuru Peak brought freezing temperatures and thin air.

Yet, as the sun rose over Tanzania, Ellul stood at the summit, already looking ahead.

This was not his first major climb. In 2019, he summited Mount Elbrus in Russia. With two of the Seven Summits now completed, his sights are firmly set on Nepal this October.

#MaltaDaily