CONQUERING KILI Julie Graham’s Climb for Conservation When Greyton local and Pure Café’s own Julie Graham isn’t whipping up smoothies and plant-based delights, she’s usually plotting her next big adventure. This time, that plan took her far from the Overberg valley — all the way to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. “
I t started, like all the best ideas do, over a glass of wine,” she laughs. “A few of us were talking about bucket lists and someone said, ‘We should climb Kiliman- jaro one day.’ The next thing we knew, we’d booked our flights.” Julie, along with her colleague and friend Sarah from Ker & Downey® Africa, joined the Climb for Conservation, a mission to raise funds for lion protection and community coexistence through the OKOA Fund and the African Bush Camps Foundation. Their goal? To raise $7,000 to build seven lion bomas in Zimbabwe - fortified livestock enclosures that prevent conflict between farmers and lions. “This wasn’t just about a mountain,” says Julie. “It was about purpose. Every step had meaning.” The team of six - Julie, Sarah, Simone, Shannon, Charles, and Iggy - met in Tan- zania ready to take on Africa’s tallest peak via the challenging Machame Route. “You think you’re prepared, but nothing really prepares you for Kili,” Julie smiles. “There’s gear, checklists, endless repack- ing - but mentally, that’s the real climb. You’ve got to picture yourself on that mountain before you even get there.”
From the first day trekking through Kilimanjaro’s lush rainforest to battling altitude on the steep slopes of Lava Tow- er, the climb was equal parts punishing and exhilarating. “There were moments I thought, ‘Why on earth am I doing this?’ - and then you’d look up and see this in- credible view, or hear the guides singing, and suddenly it all made sense again.” Julie speaks with awe about the Tanza- nian porters and guides who supported their journey. “They’re the true heroes of Kilimanjaro. They carry everything - tents, food, gear - and still find the breath to sing and laugh. Their spirit keeps you moving when your legs don’t want to.” Summit night was a blur of darkness, cold, and determination. “We left camp at 11 p.m. in - 14°C, head torches bob- bing in a line of light. For seven hours we climbed in silence. When the sun rose at Stella Point. It was brutal - but the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” Reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters - the Roof of Africa - was pure magic. “The air was thin, the view endless, and we just stood there laughing and feeling emotion- al. We’d done it. And knowing it was for conservation made it even more powerful.”
Back home in Greyton, Julie reflects on what the climb taught her:
“Kilimanjaro strips you down. It tests your patience, your ego, your resilience. But it also fills you with gratitude. You learn that the only way up — and through life — is pole pole, slowly, step by step.”
Pure is a Greyton favourite, serving up locally roasted coffee, delicious breakfasts & lunches, plus shelves packed with tasty goods. All made with quality ingredients & love. Come & enjoy the vibe! 082 393 5408 | 41 Main Road | @purecafedeli
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THE GREYTON POST
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
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