Discover Adventure | Blog

Picture this: you mention to a friend, family member, or unsuspecting colleague that you’re thinking about trekking to Everest Base Camp, and their immediate response is a wide-eyed, horrified look followed by, "No thanks, I don’t want to die!" We hear this far more often than you’d think. And we (sort of) get it - when people hear "Everest," their minds jump straight to the frozen, oxygen-starved, extreme survival stories of climbers battling their way to the summit. But here’s the thing: trekking to Everest Base Camp (EBC) is not the same as climbing Mount Everest. Not even close.

Mount Kilimanjaro, the world's tallest free-standing mountain, is one of the ultimate trekking challenges. Towering at 5,895m, it’s a true test of endurance, resilience, and your ability to function on very little sleep. But the reward? An unforgettable adventure through ever-changing landscapes, a summit sunrise you’ll never forget, and a huge personal achievement.

Jess here (DA Marketing)! I first met Jackie on my Great Wall of China Trek in 2018; she was the kind of person you instantly warm to. Her enthusiasm for the adventure ahead was infectious, and we bonded over countless laughs and shared moments on that unforgettable trip.

Since then, Jackie has continued to travel with Discover Adventure at least once a year, and in 2023, her partner Tim joined her to see what all the fuss was about. Together, they’ve become some of our most loyal (and favourite) customers, taking on multiple challenges a year. They are a firm part of the Discover Adventure family! 

I’m 50 years old, a mother and wife, and I work in the NHS in a non-clinical Public Health role, which is mainly desk-based. Outside of work, I enjoy walking my dogs, spending time in nature and going to the gym when I can. Before I did my first trip with DA, I definitely spent less time outdoors than I do now, and training for my first challenge helped me find my love for walking and nature. Now, I really enjoy the challenge of reaching a summit, but I don’t often get out on the hills. People would say that I am an adventurous person by nature, but I don’t see that. I’m just a normal person with a normal family life doing normal things.

In December 2018, Grace Millane’s life was tragically cut short while she was living her dream of travelling the world. Grace’s adventurous spirit, love of life, and kind heart are remembered by so many—but especially by her mum, Gill.

When you picture someone climbing Kilimanjaro or trekking the Inca Trail, do you imagine a corporate live-wire whose best friend is her dog? Hanna Pepe is here to tell you there’s no “type” when it comes to adventure seekers.

Hanna’s day-to-day life revolves around managing demanding clients and delivering fast-paced projects in the corporate world. But her real joy? Spending time with her dog and running along the seafront. “If you ever trek with me, you’ll probably get tired of hearing stories about my dog—he really is my best friend!” she laughs.

Life hasn’t always been this way for Hanna, though.