Elia Saikaly

Mountaineer and High Altitude Filmmaker

Elia Saikaly

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High Performance Coach

Unlocking peak performance

Men’s Coach

I help men take back control and awaken their potential.

Elia Saikaly

I’m an adventure filmmaker, mountaineer, speaker and coach on a mission to inspire change by empowering others to unlock their potential through storytelling, education, and transformative experiences.

20 years on the Roof of the World

This year marks 20 years since my journey to Nepal began. Stay tuned for a series of special campaigns marking two decades of expeditions in the Himalayas including a trek to Everest Basecamp.

Video Production

High Altitude production services

Video Licensing

License footage of Mt. Everest and the Himalayas for your project. Our work has been featured on Netflix, National Geographic, Discovery, BBC, and more.

Photo Licensing

Any image from my social media or licensing gallery can be licensed, showcasing breathtaking photography from Mt. Everest and the Himalayas.

Client Testimonials

Elia was absolutely amazing! He was captivating, entertaining, moving and inspiring! He had us all glued to our seats with his incredible storytelling ability!

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

Elia delivers a spell-binding narrative against his award-winning photography of breath-takingly beautiful mountain scenery. His courage, tenacity, and commitment to serving others are indeed admirable. To scale a mountain, accompanied by thousands of young people following on cellphones and computers, is nothing short of inspired and inspiring.

Carleton University

President and Vice-Chancellor
We’ve been booking speakers for our January Kick-Off sales meeting for the past ten years, but never have we had such overwhelmingly positive feedback from ALL of our REALTORs. President, Royal Lepage Burloak Real Estate Services

Royal Lepage Burloak

President, Royal Lepage Burloak Real Estate Services
Elia was a great way to start off our conference. His powerful message set the tone for the rest of the week. The conference was great in every way and we thank Elia for his contribution.

Atlantic Connection Conference

Atlantic Connection Conference
Elia was absolutely amazing!! He was captivating, entertaining, moving and inspiring! He had us all glued to our seats with his incredible storytelling ability! I loved how he described his journey to Everest and all the various obstacles he had to overcome on his path, both physically, mentally and emotionally. The images and videos that he shared with us brought life to his stories. In a nutshell, as one said, it hit the mark on all fronts! What a great moment we experienced in his presence!

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Elia’s presentation was fantastic. His presentation was a perfect climax to our Kick-off Meeting with the theme ‘No Limits’. Our agents were very vocal about their positive comments after he spoke. He left the impression that ‘Anything is Possible, which was our goal.

Royal Lepage Realty

Royal Lepage Realty

My work has been featured on

My Blog

Mt. Everest and K2- A Q and A with Elia Saikaly

Nepal Earthquake: Internal Aftershocks and Life Lessons

Everest – How to deal with the unexpected

Here Are 5 Fun Reasons to Trek with Us to Everest Base Camp This Spring

Here’s what you can look forward to:
   •   Trek Through the Himalayas: Follow the legendary trails of Sagarmatha National Park, crossing suspension bridges and passing through Sherpa villages steeped in centuries of tradition.
   •   Unparalleled Views: Stand in awe of the world’s highest peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
   •   Summit Kala Patthar at Dawn: Witness breathtaking views of Everest and its surrounding peaks as the first light of day illuminates the Himalayas.
   •   Breathwork in Nature: Experience Conscious Connected Breathwork, guided by me, with the mountains as your backdrop. Reconnect with yourself in one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth.
   •   A Night at Everest Base Camp: Spend an unforgettable evening under the stars, surrounded by towering peaks and the Khumbu Icefall.

Optional Milky Way Viewing: Rise before dawn to witness the Milky Way ascending over the mountains—an indescribable moment of wonder.

With expert guides, welcoming accommodations, and a focus on meaningful connection, this trek is about more than reaching a destination—it’s about the journey itself.

The link to the trip is in my bio. Spaces are limited. Let’s walk these trails together this April and experience the magic of the Himalayas.

#Nepal #Basecamp #Everest #Trek #Himalayas #JoinMe #Adventure#ScoobySocks

Here Are 5 Fun Reasons to Trek with Us to Everest Base Camp This Spring Here’s what you can look forward to:    •   Trek Through the Himalayas: Follow the legendary trails of Sagarmatha National Park, crossing suspension bridges and passing through Sherpa villages steeped in centuries of tradition.    •   Unparalleled Views: Stand in awe of the world’s highest peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.    •   Summit Kala Patthar at Dawn: Witness breathtaking views of Everest and its surrounding peaks as the first light of day illuminates the Himalayas.    •   Breathwork in Nature: Experience Conscious Connected Breathwork, guided by me, with the mountains as your backdrop. Reconnect with yourself in one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth.    •   A Night at Everest Base Camp: Spend an unforgettable evening under the stars, surrounded by towering peaks and the Khumbu Icefall. Optional Milky Way Viewing: Rise before dawn to witness the Milky Way ascending over the mountains—an indescribable moment of wonder. With expert guides, welcoming accommodations, and a focus on meaningful connection, this trek is about more than reaching a destination—it’s about the journey itself. The link to the trip is in my bio. Spaces are limited. Let’s walk these trails together this April and experience the magic of the Himalayas. #Nepal #Basecamp #Everest #Trek #Himalayas #JoinMe #Adventure#ScoobySocks

Jan 26

525

56

Look Up

And pause.

The mountains whisper wisdom, serenity, and beauty—
found in the silence, in presence, and in simply being.

I often feel we’ve lost the plot—
concerned with accolades and ego,
rather than connection.

Perhaps we ought to reconsider our relationship and responsibility—
and invite another way.

These mountains are giant mirrors,
reflecting everything unfolding on our planet.

More than ever, we need reverence.
We need the old ways.
The wisdom of the great teachers, and what is innate in all of us, that we seem to have forgotten.

Be the way.

#SacredSilence #MountainWisdom #AncientWays #NatureConnection #Everest #Himalayas

Look Up And pause. The mountains whisper wisdom, serenity, and beauty— found in the silence, in presence, and in simply being. I often feel we’ve lost the plot— concerned with accolades and ego, rather than connection. Perhaps we ought to reconsider our relationship and responsibility— and invite another way. These mountains are giant mirrors, reflecting everything unfolding on our planet. More than ever, we need reverence. We need the old ways. The wisdom of the great teachers, and what is innate in all of us, that we seem to have forgotten. Be the way. #SacredSilence #MountainWisdom #AncientWays #NatureConnection #Everest #Himalayas

Jan 22

736

44

2025 marks 20 years since I first set foot in Nepal—a journey that has shaped my life in profound ways. I’d love for you to join me this April for an extraordinary trek to Everest Base Camp to celebrate this milestone.

This isn’t a race or a rush—it’s an immersive experience in nature, with good people and a beautiful journey. It’s a chance to walk the trails that have defined my life, to connect with the profound spirit of the Himalayas, and to experience the peace and perspective these mountains offer.

Here’s what you can expect:

Trek through the Himalayas: Follow the legendary trails of Sagarmatha National Park, crossing suspension bridges and passing through Sherpa villages that carry centuries of tradition.

Unparalleled views: Stand in awe of the world’s highest peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.

Summit Kala Patthar at dawn: Experience breathtaking views of Everest and the surrounding peaks as the first light of day illuminates the Himalayas.

Breathwork in nature: Experience Conscious Connected Breathwork, guided by me, with the mountains as your backdrop. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with yourself in one of the most inspiring landscapes on Earth.

A night at Everest Base Camp: Spend an unforgettable evening under the stars, surrounded by towering peaks and the Khumbu Icefall.

Optional Milky Way viewing: For those who want to rise before dawn, witness the Milky Way ascending over the mountains—an indescribable moment of wonder.

With expert guides, welcoming accommodations, and a focus on meaningful connection, this trek is about more than reaching a destination—it’s about the journey itself.

The link to the trip is in my bio. Spaces are limited. Let’s walk these trails together this April and experience the magic of the Himalayas.

#Nepal #Basecamp #Everest #Trek #Himalayas #joinme #Adventure

2025 marks 20 years since I first set foot in Nepal—a journey that has shaped my life in profound ways. I’d love for you to join me this April for an extraordinary trek to Everest Base Camp to celebrate this milestone. This isn’t a race or a rush—it’s an immersive experience in nature, with good people and a beautiful journey. It’s a chance to walk the trails that have defined my life, to connect with the profound spirit of the Himalayas, and to experience the peace and perspective these mountains offer. Here’s what you can expect: Trek through the Himalayas: Follow the legendary trails of Sagarmatha National Park, crossing suspension bridges and passing through Sherpa villages that carry centuries of tradition. Unparalleled views: Stand in awe of the world’s highest peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Summit Kala Patthar at dawn: Experience breathtaking views of Everest and the surrounding peaks as the first light of day illuminates the Himalayas. Breathwork in nature: Experience Conscious Connected Breathwork, guided by me, with the mountains as your backdrop. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with yourself in one of the most inspiring landscapes on Earth. A night at Everest Base Camp: Spend an unforgettable evening under the stars, surrounded by towering peaks and the Khumbu Icefall. Optional Milky Way viewing: For those who want to rise before dawn, witness the Milky Way ascending over the mountains—an indescribable moment of wonder. With expert guides, welcoming accommodations, and a focus on meaningful connection, this trek is about more than reaching a destination—it’s about the journey itself. The link to the trip is in my bio. Spaces are limited. Let’s walk these trails together this April and experience the magic of the Himalayas. #Nepal #Basecamp #Everest #Trek #Himalayas #joinme #Adventure

Jan 19

849

79

High on a line on Carstensz Pyramid. 

Fear is a door—belief is the key.

I’d be lying if I didn’t say this was exhilarating. 😃

#CarstenszPyramid
#SevenSummits
#WestPapua
#ClimbingBeyondLimits
#FearToFreedom
#MountainPhilosophy
#ConquerYourself
#Fear #believe #uncivilized

High on a line on Carstensz Pyramid. Fear is a door—belief is the key. I’d be lying if I didn’t say this was exhilarating. 😃 #CarstenszPyramid #SevenSummits #WestPapua #ClimbingBeyondLimits #FearToFreedom #MountainPhilosophy #ConquerYourself #Fear #believe #uncivilized

Jan 9

230

12

On West Papua.

14,500 kilometers from home, I found myself on a journey in October that was so much more than about mountains. It felt like a boomerang shot around the world - dreamlike — marked by jet-lagged haze, an unknown adventure deep in the jungle with a few Rambo-esque moments, a high-line walk, (🐓) Avenger-like moments and incredible human connection. And on top of it, with a dear friend whose last minute crazy plan I just couldn’t say no to.

For many climbers, West Papua is synonymous with Carstensz Pyramid, one of the Seven Summits and arguably the most inaccessible of them all. While the allure of the summit was present, my heart was drawn to the privilege to meet the indigenous communities, hear their stories, and begin to understand the complexities of their homeland.

This region is as beautiful as it is complicated—home to one of the largest gold and copper mines on Earth, yet many face poverty and political challenges. The cultural vibrancy and resilience of these communities shine through despite the shadows of controversy and struggle for sovereignty. Walking through their land, listening to their voices, and witnessing their way of life left me humbled and deeply moved. 

These are some of the faces of the incredible people we met.

#WestPapuaJourney
#CarstenszPyramid
#SevenSummits
#IndigenousConnection
#AdventureWithPurpose
#ElectionWhatElection?

On West Papua. 14,500 kilometers from home, I found myself on a journey in October that was so much more than about mountains. It felt like a boomerang shot around the world - dreamlike — marked by jet-lagged haze, an unknown adventure deep in the jungle with a few Rambo-esque moments, a high-line walk, (🐓) Avenger-like moments and incredible human connection. And on top of it, with a dear friend whose last minute crazy plan I just couldn’t say no to. For many climbers, West Papua is synonymous with Carstensz Pyramid, one of the Seven Summits and arguably the most inaccessible of them all. While the allure of the summit was present, my heart was drawn to the privilege to meet the indigenous communities, hear their stories, and begin to understand the complexities of their homeland. This region is as beautiful as it is complicated—home to one of the largest gold and copper mines on Earth, yet many face poverty and political challenges. The cultural vibrancy and resilience of these communities shine through despite the shadows of controversy and struggle for sovereignty. Walking through their land, listening to their voices, and witnessing their way of life left me humbled and deeply moved. These are some of the faces of the incredible people we met. #WestPapuaJourney #CarstenszPyramid #SevenSummits #IndigenousConnection #AdventureWithPurpose #ElectionWhatElection?

Jan 8

253

1

“So, I did a thing… I’m officially a Conscious Connected Breathwork Facilitator.

The past year has been incredibly meaningful—filled with growth, training certifications, and building new friendships and connections.

I trained with my friend, @patdivilly and graduated from his Conscious Connected Breathwork program. It’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Conscious Connected Breathwork is not just about the breath—it’s about finding depth, releasing trapped energy / emotion in the body, and reintegrating to foster a deeper connection within yourself. I’ve made Breathwork a part of my daily life and practice CCB at least once a week. I’m also facilitating 1:1 sessions and groups and will be integrating these breathwork journeys into some exciting opportunities.

Breathwork is one of the top well-being trends globally at the moment, and with good reason. I’m also learning about functional breathing and how it relates to high  performance, but what deeply interests me is how CCB has the ability to help us heal on a profound level. Sometimes you have to feel your way through, re-experience, release, and reintegrate. This is a gentle yet powerful bottom-up approach.

Pat has another training starting soon, and I can’t say enough about him and his course. I highly recommend it to anyone interested.

As they say, ‘Life begins with your first breath and ends with your last. Everything in between is shaped by how you breathe.’

#CCB #Breathe #Breathwork #ConsciousConnected #Wellbeing”

“So, I did a thing… I’m officially a Conscious Connected Breathwork Facilitator. The past year has been incredibly meaningful—filled with growth, training certifications, and building new friendships and connections. I trained with my friend, @patdivilly and graduated from his Conscious Connected Breathwork program. It’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Conscious Connected Breathwork is not just about the breath—it’s about finding depth, releasing trapped energy / emotion in the body, and reintegrating to foster a deeper connection within yourself. I’ve made Breathwork a part of my daily life and practice CCB at least once a week. I’m also facilitating 1:1 sessions and groups and will be integrating these breathwork journeys into some exciting opportunities. Breathwork is one of the top well-being trends globally at the moment, and with good reason. I’m also learning about functional breathing and how it relates to high performance, but what deeply interests me is how CCB has the ability to help us heal on a profound level. Sometimes you have to feel your way through, re-experience, release, and reintegrate. This is a gentle yet powerful bottom-up approach. Pat has another training starting soon, and I can’t say enough about him and his course. I highly recommend it to anyone interested. As they say, ‘Life begins with your first breath and ends with your last. Everything in between is shaped by how you breathe.’ #CCB #Breathe #Breathwork #ConsciousConnected #Wellbeing”

Jan 7

359

46

46 Trips Around the Sun 🌞

46 years of nonsense, laughter, lessons, and a life filled with unforgettable moments. Each year has brought its own set of wild adventures, joy, a dash of structured chaos and a chance to grow (and maybe ruffle a few feathers along the way).

Here’s to more love and plenty of surprises on this wild ride around the sun.

To the people I love, my dearest friends and all of you, thanks for being part of it all. 🐔✨ 

#46AndThriving #GratefulForTheJourney
#ChickensRising #Assembling

46 Trips Around the Sun 🌞 46 years of nonsense, laughter, lessons, and a life filled with unforgettable moments. Each year has brought its own set of wild adventures, joy, a dash of structured chaos and a chance to grow (and maybe ruffle a few feathers along the way). Here’s to more love and plenty of surprises on this wild ride around the sun. To the people I love, my dearest friends and all of you, thanks for being part of it all. 🐔✨ #46AndThriving #GratefulForTheJourney #ChickensRising #Assembling

Dec 10

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Carstensz Pyramid.

The summit was epic, but it’s the journey that mattered most.

A huge thank you to all the local people, international guides, and new friends. From Brazil to Indonesia, West Papua, Czech Republic, Poland, USA, and beyond, it was an international Indiana Jones-style climbing adventure where everyone supported each other.

#SevenSummits #CarstenszPyramid #AdventureTime #NoBagNoProblem #ChickenAvengers #TheWayOfTheMountain.

Carstensz Pyramid. The summit was epic, but it’s the journey that mattered most. A huge thank you to all the local people, international guides, and new friends. From Brazil to Indonesia, West Papua, Czech Republic, Poland, USA, and beyond, it was an international Indiana Jones-style climbing adventure where everyone supported each other. #SevenSummits #CarstenszPyramid #AdventureTime #NoBagNoProblem #ChickenAvengers #TheWayOfTheMountain.

Oct 22

968

47

“The ideal of me is no longer; in its place stands the real me, forged by the flames of my own trials, stronger and truer than any illusion I once held.” 
.
Carl Jung
.
Thank you for being on this journey with me. Things are no longer as they were, and that’s a good thing. And yes, much is to come. 🏔️✨🌳
.
Onwards to the beyond.
.
#TransformationJourney
#RiseFromTheAshes
#AuthenticSelf
#InnerStrength
#SelfDiscovery
#EmbraceYourself
#PersonalGrowth
#Resilience
#SelfAwareness
#Individuation
#PhoenixRising
#TrueSelf

“The ideal of me is no longer; in its place stands the real me, forged by the flames of my own trials, stronger and truer than any illusion I once held.” . Carl Jung . Thank you for being on this journey with me. Things are no longer as they were, and that’s a good thing. And yes, much is to come. 🏔️✨🌳 . Onwards to the beyond. . #TransformationJourney #RiseFromTheAshes #AuthenticSelf #InnerStrength #SelfDiscovery #EmbraceYourself #PersonalGrowth #Resilience #SelfAwareness #Individuation #PhoenixRising #TrueSelf

Jul 6

299

14

The middle passage.
.
Wrestling with what is, what isn’t, what never was and what will be. 
.
3 years of deep research thus far on the book I’m writing. Still in the wormholes - excavating, learning/unlearning, befriending the banished parts, rewiring and rebirthing.
.
Audio by Alan Watts. The question of identity: One of a few ideas explored. 
.
#ReBirth #PathtoWholeness
#Careforthemind #Resilence #Power #Compassion #Strength  #Love #Mountains #MountainSWithin #SpiritualWarrior #compassionatewarrior #Everest #Mohawk #SidVicious #FindingLife #K2

The middle passage. . Wrestling with what is, what isn’t, what never was and what will be. . 3 years of deep research thus far on the book I’m writing. Still in the wormholes - excavating, learning/unlearning, befriending the banished parts, rewiring and rebirthing. . Audio by Alan Watts. The question of identity: One of a few ideas explored. . #ReBirth #PathtoWholeness #Careforthemind #Resilence #Power #Compassion #Strength #Love #Mountains #MountainSWithin #SpiritualWarrior #compassionatewarrior #Everest #Mohawk #SidVicious #FindingLife #K2

Jul 4

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Years of friendship with these good folks from Kenya and Tanzania.
.
Kioni, Romley, Mariam, Eva and Julius. Team AA and MM. 
.
When I dream up an adventure, it’s not just what are we doing, it’s more importantly, what are we doing, why are we doing it and who are are we adventuring with? The secret formula is combining the why, with the how and most importantly the who. In this case, team FL international and our ever-amazing local Kenyan and TZ extended team and family.
.
Thank you for being awesome!
.
#FL #Mariam 
#Kilimanjaro #unforgettable #kilimanjaroclimb #naturephotography #traveltheworld #photography #hikingadventures #tanzaniasafari #kili #sevensummits #tarangire #explore #volunteer #volunteering #travelgram #projectabroad #givingback #internship #traveloverseas #worktheworld #betterworldvolunteerstanzania #gapyear #climbingkilimanjaro #follow #safaritanzania #moshi.

Years of friendship with these good folks from Kenya and Tanzania. . Kioni, Romley, Mariam, Eva and Julius. Team AA and MM. . When I dream up an adventure, it’s not just what are we doing, it’s more importantly, what are we doing, why are we doing it and who are are we adventuring with? The secret formula is combining the why, with the how and most importantly the who. In this case, team FL international and our ever-amazing local Kenyan and TZ extended team and family. . Thank you for being awesome! . #FL #Mariam #Kilimanjaro #unforgettable #kilimanjaroclimb #naturephotography #traveltheworld #photography #hikingadventures #tanzaniasafari #kili #sevensummits #tarangire #explore #volunteer #volunteering #travelgram #projectabroad #givingback #internship #traveloverseas #worktheworld #betterworldvolunteerstanzania #gapyear #climbingkilimanjaro #follow #safaritanzania #moshi.

Mar 1

421

8

This one is for Mariam.
.
After making every effort possible without funding to get Mariam summit ready, which  included a personal trainer, a HR monitor, training program, stationary bicycle, eyewear, gear and all the mountain support she needed, not to mention a team of 12 adventurers plus 40 local people, we decided we didn’t want to subject her to a potential failure. After seeing the conditions on the mountain and the Machame route this past week vs the less strenuous Rongai route, we made the right call to make this expedition a training exercise. Mariam made it to the Shira plateau as a high point as planned.
.
This sweater was knitted by Mariam, carried by our FindingLife Journeys summit team.
.
6 to Uhuru, 3 to Stella, @sherpapk and I and of course team TZ who make it all possible.
.
Just 48 hrs earlier, more than 200 turned back and one person even tragically died. Kili is no joke for the untrained and inexperienced. The weather was not cooperative this past week, so feeling extremely grateful we had a successful expedition.
.
It was a mammoth operation, from porters to cooking staff, assistant guides to guides to everyone in between.
.
Thank you to everyone and congratulations to the team.
.
Once I get home I’ll process a few pics of Mariam along the way. She’s stoked and grateful and ready to take on the summit in October. 
.
@lelinor09 
@socalizee 
@instagramofcharlie 
@trudi_schlatter 
@lisi.tirol 
@lelinor09 
@m.werner715 
@joycenolanca
@sahai_akal 
@sherpapk 
@mariamstafordbandaba 
@rzaman12 
.
#mountkilimanjaro #tanzania #kilimanjaro #travel #africa #safari #zanzibar #adventure #serengeti #mtkilimanjaro #nature #ngorongoro #trekking #hiking #visittanzania #tanzaniaunforgettable #arusha #uhurupeak #mountains #photooftheday #serengetinationalpark #wildlife #utaliiwandani #mountain #ngorongorocrater #travelphotography #roofofafrica #climbing #kilimanjaronationalpark.

This one is for Mariam. . After making every effort possible without funding to get Mariam summit ready, which included a personal trainer, a HR monitor, training program, stationary bicycle, eyewear, gear and all the mountain support she needed, not to mention a team of 12 adventurers plus 40 local people, we decided we didn’t want to subject her to a potential failure. After seeing the conditions on the mountain and the Machame route this past week vs the less strenuous Rongai route, we made the right call to make this expedition a training exercise. Mariam made it to the Shira plateau as a high point as planned. . This sweater was knitted by Mariam, carried by our FindingLife Journeys summit team. . 6 to Uhuru, 3 to Stella, @sherpapk and I and of course team TZ who make it all possible. . Just 48 hrs earlier, more than 200 turned back and one person even tragically died. Kili is no joke for the untrained and inexperienced. The weather was not cooperative this past week, so feeling extremely grateful we had a successful expedition. . It was a mammoth operation, from porters to cooking staff, assistant guides to guides to everyone in between. . Thank you to everyone and congratulations to the team. . Once I get home I’ll process a few pics of Mariam along the way. She’s stoked and grateful and ready to take on the summit in October. . @lelinor09 @socalizee @instagramofcharlie @trudi_schlatter @lisi.tirol @lelinor09 @m.werner715 @joycenolanca @sahai_akal @sherpapk @mariamstafordbandaba @rzaman12 . #mountkilimanjaro #tanzania #kilimanjaro #travel #africa #safari #zanzibar #adventure #serengeti #mtkilimanjaro #nature #ngorongoro #trekking #hiking #visittanzania #tanzaniaunforgettable #arusha #uhurupeak #mountains #photooftheday #serengetinationalpark #wildlife #utaliiwandani #mountain #ngorongorocrater #travelphotography #roofofafrica #climbing #kilimanjaronationalpark.

Feb 28

470

18