A moving reflection on Ubuntu lived during the ascent of Mount Cameroon—honoring the organizer, the porter, the cooks, and the community spirit that makes every step possible.
From the Highest Point of Central and West Africa: An Ubuntu Experience
You may have already guessed it without my saying it: climbing and descending Mount Cameroon is an experience deeply rooted in Ubuntu. Today, I would like to recount some moments of the journey in tribute to the people who made this experience possible.
Ubuntu: I Am Because the Trip Organizer Is
My climb and descent of Mount Cameroon was not a solitary adventure. I was fortunate to join a group. A young woman, who owns a hiking company in Cameroon, organized the entire trip.
We left Yaoundé by bus and met others joining from different cities. Organizing such a trip is not easy in the current context of Cameroon. Before departure, she had:
- booked our seats with the transport agencies,
- arranged the accommodation in Buea,
- secured our entrance into the national park,
- and reserved our night at the mountain refuge.
Looking back, I can only express my deep gratitude for her valuable work.
Ubuntu: I Am Because My Porter Is
A key figure in climbing and descending Mount Cameroon is the porter, who also serves as guide. These porters are young men from the region who know the mountain intimately.
They:
- carry the hikers’ bags,
- help them cross difficult sections of the trail,
- and set the rhythm for the ascent and descent.
During my experience, I had a wonderful porter—skilled, patient, and kind. Patience is truly a great virtue for these men of the mountain.
The porter carries his load while adjusting to the pace of a hiker who does not know the path. When you set foot on the slopes of Mount Cameroon, you must show deep humanity and generosity toward the porters instead of viewing them as mere servants.
I maintained a good friendship with my porter, with whom I still remain in contact.
Ubuntu: I Am Because the Cooks Are
Climbing and descending Mount Cameroon requires a tremendous amount of energy. In the porter’s bag, we carried a few emergency food supplies. But without the cooks at the refuge, the experience would have been extremely difficult.
We arrived at the refuge around 3 p.m., exhausted and terribly hungry, and these women welcomed us with a warm, hearty meal.
The next day, we were awakened at 3 a.m. and served hot drinks before starting the ascent. When we returned around noon, another freshly prepared meal awaited us.
These women were extraordinary, and I am deeply grateful for them.
Ubuntu: Why Money Alone Is Not Enough
Someone might quickly say, “But these services were paid for.” To this, I respond with one word: Ubuntu.
On Mount Cameroon:
- Money is useless if no one organizes the trip for you.
- Money is useless if the porter does not walk with you, carry your bag, and guide you.
- Money is useless if the cooks do not feed you.
On the mountain, what matters is the network of people forming a family of hikers—each able to live their personal experience because others are present to support them.
In this sense, the ascent and descent of Mount Cameroon taught me the value and necessity of social bonds. It makes me wonder:
What would our society look like if we all learned and lived this lesson for the sake of peaceful coexistence?
And you—what Ubuntu experience have you lived?
Share it in the comments to widen the circle of gratitude and appreciation.
There is something unique about climing a big mountain, one has to be light yet not lacking the necessary!
