It took me a while to fall asleep on this uneven downhill slope. But then again, I have slept in worse places too. Veroso seemed to have fallen asleep already.

My legs felt a bit wobbly and my sinuses were still congested. But it’s 5 am and it’s time to get a move on. Mozambique’s highest mountain was expecting us. The sun started slowly to crawl up behind the mountain peaks on this chilly morning.

Fresh mountain air filled our lungs while low-lying clouds filled the valleys below. It was an eerie feeling to this alpine environment.

The meadows below towards Mosquito Camp were shining brightly in the early morning sun, as we ascended higher and higher to the rooftop of these mountains.

‘We are very close’ Veroso kept saying, as I needed another breath of thin air.

Some granite boulders left me speechless as well. An unusual rock in an unusual place.

‘There is the pole’ Veroso said eventually. We are definitely not far now. The wind picked up from the western slopes, carrying chilly air up there.

The sun is shining though and it’s an amazing feeling, being up here. The visibility is endless above peak level.

We are on the rooftop of the Chimanimani Mountains. Monte Binga, Mozambique’s highest peak.

Bordering Zimbabwe to the west. Hooray for that.

We didn’t stay long on the very top as the freezing wind blew straight up my shorts. A double-loaded beanie combination kept my sweaty head warm.

But it’s an amazing feeling just being here. Credit to everyone who makes the effort. Veroso and I had a long day ahead. We still have to walk back again. It’s almost all downhill from here, but loaded backpacks will impact my knees and joints.

I opted for a 10-minute break in the high grass out of the wind on our way down. The feeling of peace and serenity is just incredible.

Moz Adventure Tours were on their way up as we got going again.

‘You’re almost there’ I heard Veroso saying. I had a wee giggle. His motivation skills are for everyone.

Only a few locals were left at Band Camp, to guard the equipment left behind. We needed to pack and undo our tent just as well. Time for a refreshing dip, before setting off on our journey down the valley.

The sun had meanwhile burnt off the low clouds and its strength was noticeable.

We stopped at a few shady spots and refilled our water bottles. Padoko, Padoko down the mountain just as well.

Veroso has been a fantastic tour guide, I couldn’t be happier. He had only been once up this mountain before and knew a lot about the Chimanimani Mountains.

He never lost track and has been helpful and friendly all along.

We crossed the Nhamadzi River for our very last time. A few locals and their herd of cattle found a shortcut through the cold waters. We were almost there.

It was late afternoon when I finally saw the black and white stripes of my zebra. Back home we are. What a few couple of days. Hot and very cold, exhilarating and tranquil, busy and relaxing, to mention a few of the extremes. King Mambo welcomed us back to camp with a big smile. ‘How are you my friend’ he asked.

‘I am foetzek, but I am happy’ I replied. And so I was. A wee photo session sealed our adventure together.

I would highly recommend making the journey to the Chimanimani Mountains and visiting this humble and friendly community.

Mozambique isn’t just about beaches. Their mountains are just as fascinating. Most importantly, it’s the people.

I set up camp right there and then. There is no way I will be going anywhere today.

A nice cuppa tea under the rising moon was just the perfect ending to this mountain experience.