CAPE TOWN-A couple from Ottery who conquered Mount Kilimanjaro alongside their hiking companions were honoured with a certificate of recognition by the Mayor of Cape Town, Geordin-Hill Lewis on Friday 31 October.
Stephanie and Vernon Singh recalled that they first discovered their love of hiking and the mountains during the Covid-19 lockdown.
At the time, they joined local hiking groups for their first real outdoor experiences.
The Mayor of Cape Town, Geordin-Hill Lewis, also honoured the group with certificates of recognition on Friday October 31. From left: Andre Kleinschmidt, Wendy Brockman, Helena Martin. Stephanie Singh and Vernon Singh. 
The group made South Africa proud once they finally conquered Mount Kilimanjaro. Here they are standing atop the summit. 
The group spent eight days tackling Mount Kilimanjaro. 
The climbers battled fatigue, headaches, nosebleeds, vomiting, and doubt during their climb. Photos: Supplied
“We fell in love with the outdoors: the waterfalls, the dams, the mountains, the peace. We soon learned that for many hikers, Kilimanjaro is the dream. They say if you can conquer Arangieskop in Robertson (‘the Kilimanjaro of the Cape’), then you’re ready for the real deal,” Stephanie explained.
After three years of dreaming and intensive training that began with local Western Cape mountains, the pair decided to set their sights on tackling Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro in July this year.
The couple are known on social media as “Vern&Stef aka voetjies”.
Before they climbed Mount Kilimanjaro the pair spent months researching, preparing and honing their personal discipline.
Active planning and training began early last year, Stephanie added.
Intensive training
Physical preparation included gym cardio sessions, hiking Western Cape’s highest peaks every weekend including Matroosberg at 2 449 metres, multi-day hikes with overnight mountain stays, and long beach walks for endurance building. to page 4
“Finding consistency on days when life was busy and my body felt tired proved most challenging,” Stephanie noted. “Balancing work, teaching, dancing, and training required real discipline.”
Mental preparation involved daily affirmations, prayer, visualisation exercises, and learning to embrace discomfort while maintaining calm focus.
The couple funded their expedition through personal savings with significant support from family, friends, and local businesses who believed in their goal.
The pair had their friends, Wendy Brockman, Helena Martin and Andre Kleinschmidt, at their side during the hike.
Strategic route selection
The couple chose the Machame Route for its gradual acclimatisation opportunities, the scenery and high summit success rate, prioritising safety.
The eight-day timeline from base to summit and return allowed proper adjustment to altitude.
Essential gear included high-quality sleeping bags, proper boots, layering systems, trekking poles, hydration equipment, headlamps, warm clothing, and altitude medication.
During their climb up Kilimanjaro, some surprising snacks proved valuable: “50c Niknacks and wine gums, Vix menthol camphor,” Stephanie laughed, “along with a small journal, though at altitude you’re too tired to read, you just pray and push through.”
Altitude challenges
Altitude presented the climbers with their greatest concern.
“You can train your legs but the mountain decides how your body reacts,” Stephanie said.
The group experienced fatigue, headaches, nosebleeds, vomiting, and doubt, but avoided major injuries.”Prayer, breathing, staying present, and remembering how far I had already come helped sustain my focus,” Stephanie said.
Summit achievement
On Friday 18 July, eight days later, standing atop Africa’s highest peak represented far more than physical accomplishment for the couple and their friends.
“It meant conquering more than just a mountain. It symbolised self-belief, faith, discipline, and the power of never giving up even when it feels impossible,” Stephanie reflected.
The group shed tears, said a prayer and shared a moment of stillness above the clouds.
Hill Lewis said: “Their 5 895 m trek up Kilimanjaro was five times higher than Table Mountain! Congratulations to them and well done.”
