Atop the highest mountain in Africa, Ragina Devi, 48, and Davinash Naicker, 50, braved the -23°C conditions — exhausted, freezing, but proudly waving Fiji’s noble banner blue.
The New Zealand-based couple had just completed a 5895-metre ascent of Mt Kilimanjaro, fulfilling a challenge set by friends and potentially becoming the first Fijians to summit the mountain as husband and wife.
The trek typically takes five to nine days, traversing five distinct climate zones: farmland, rainforest, moorland, alpine desert and arctic ice. Every year, about 30,000 to 50,000 people trek Mt Kilimanjaro, making it one of the most popular trekking destinations globally. For the Naickers, the journey demanded endurance and determination through some of the harshest terrain and weather they had ever faced.
“Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro was a very challenging but rewarding experience,” they said after reaching the summit on June 22, 2025.
“Summit night was the hardest — we started at 11pm and had to deal with fatigue, freezing temperatures, and low oxygen levels.” Considered the most physically and mentally demanding part of the trek, the summit push or night involved a steep overnight climb in extremely cold, windy conditions to reach the peak by sunrise, followed by a long and arduous descent.
Over the past eight years, the Naickers have tackled some of New Zealand’s toughest trails, including the Tongariro Crossing, Routeburn, Kepler, and Mt Taranaki. Nothing, they said, came close to Kilimanjaro.
“There were steep inclines, rocky paths, and scrambling up the Barranco Wall.
“We had to watch for altitude sickness and cope with unpredictable weather.”
Despite the challenges, they reached the top — calling it a major personal milestone.
“It builds self-esteem and resilience. And the scenery was spectacular.”
The couple plan to continue hiking the country’s great walks with their family and are already eyeing their next adventure.
“Focus on the journey, embrace the challenge, and connect with nature.
“Every step brings you closer to personal growth and a sense of accomplishment.”
