Former US president Jimmy Carter (second right) at the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro with his crew. Photo | File
Traveling to over 140 countries after exiting the White House and settling in his hometown of Plains in Georgia, President Jimmy Carter never slowed down after his tenure in Washington ended.
A beloved statement was welcomed with open arms across the world and that meant endless flights, from his rural town in Georgia, he was able to see the world in a way very few people would.
He travelled to nearly every country in Africa, recognisable even by young kids who would scream his name upon seeing him. He was affectionately known as the ‘peacemaker-in-chief.’
In Jonathan Alter’s biography of the 39th President of the United States, Carter occupied the White House from January 20, 1977, to January 20, 1981.
Jonathan shone the light on the life of the elder statesman whose zeal and eagerness to engage the world never quivered even as he transitioned into his retirement after his presidency.
Jonathan writes about his newly acquired skills like Carter learning how to make his wine and cook bear meat.
He would describe Carter’s singing ability and how that was the only time people would back away.
Jonathan writes, "When Jimmy was sixty-two and Rosalynn (his wife) fifty-nine, they learned to downhill ski at Crested Butte, the Colorado resort owned by Bo Calla-way, his old rival and new friend.
Two years later, they came within seven hundred feet of the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, and six years after that, climbed Mount Fuji; at ninety, Jimmy learned to snorkel.
The Carters undertook many separate activities-a secret of their long marriage.”
His Kilimanjaro expedition that he took with his two sons and wife would be the only time to date for a US president to take on the highest mountain in Africa.
On August 10, 1988 Shirley Marlow of the Los Angeles Times chronicled the compelling adventure.
Marlow describes how Jimmy Carter almost made it to the top of the mountain, only turning back a short distance from the peak of the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
The 1988 climb by one of the most famous people in the world, would help promote Tanzania’s tourism at a time when most people didn't even know that Mount Kilimanjaro is in Tanzania, something that the nation has to deal with even today.
The media interviews he did after would only work in Tanzania’s favour.
Marlow would speak with an official working for the Kilimanjaro National Park, who confirmed that Carter descended the morning after climbing to Gilman’s Point, which is 18,647 feet high, less than just 700 feet from the summit.
Gilman’s point named after an early explorer Clement Gilman is situated on the Marangu Route, often referred to as the "Coca-Cola Route," reaching this point is a milestone and serves as a physically demanding achievement, more so for a 63 years old man, the point is surrounded by steep slopes and the air is thin and oxygen-deprived, but Carter persevered and was even able to pose for a picture with his team.
From Gilman’s point, one has a breathtaking wide view of the Kibo crater, Mawenzi Peak from a distance, and the green plains.
Climbers who reach Gilman’s Point earn a certificate recognizing their accomplishment, even if they choose not to continue to the higher summits of Uhuru Peak.
The reason why he turned back was not revealed, but normally Kilimanjaro expedition is headed by a guide who decides if the climber can carry on ascending or turning back, for several reasons.
The former President was accompanied by his wife, Rosalynn, and seven other family members, they also viewed the wildlife in the vast Serengeti Plain, the iconic expanse of grasslands, stretching endlessly beneath an open Tanzania sky.
Located in northern Tanzania. The Serengeti is home to one of nature's most dramatic spectacles: the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains in search of fresh grazing grounds, it is not known if Mr President was fortunate enough to witness the world wonder, but its highly unlikely since the migration usually occurs in January -march window and his visit was in August.
President Carter and his family also visited Ngorongoro Crater known as the largest unbroken and unflooded volcanic caldera on Earth.
This UNESCO world heritage site spans over 260 square kilometres of diverse and vibrant landscapes. The Carter family would later visit Kenya and Uganda.
President Carter’s ascend was accompanied by the diplomatic security services personnel, who watched over the 63-year-old former head of state.
In their post on X (formerly Twitter), the DSS spoke of their retired agents reflecting on the unique and rewarding experience of working with their Secret Service counterparts to protect President Jimmy Carter during the climb.
The post celebrated Carter’s sense of adventure that took them to ‘some pretty wild places,’ pointing out his Visit to Tanzania and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Their post on X ended with their condolences and thanking the former president for his service and positive spirit. President Carter’s dedication to service and his positive spirit.
A truly iconic man, Carter will be remembered as an adventurous man, he would even jog at the airport during long overlays during his international travels, when he served brokering peace during political conflict across the world.
Unlike his travel to peaceful Tanzania, climbing Kilimanjaro and visiting the serene Tanzanian wilderness, Carter traveled to pretty dangerous places that he was advised against going to, he would receive intelligent reports advising him against going to some conflict zones like the Middle East, but the Nobel Peace winner would insist on going even meeting the Hamas leadership.
Carter was respected, experienced, and wise but most of all a trusted leader, trusted even by his political rivals, the world knew his word carried weight.
Nicknamed ‘deacon’ by the men assigned to protect him, Carter dedicated his time to teaching Sunday school even in his old age.
In a CBS interview, Jimmy Carter said he hoped his family would remember him as a good great-grandfather, grandfather, and father but as a leader, he hopes he will be remembered as a champion of peace.
