Climbing higher together, our ongoing
collaboration with Microsoft
Climbing higher together, our ongoing collaboration with Microsoft
From local hikes to global summits, our journey with Microsoft redefines
wellness, teamwork, and adventure—one mountain at a time.
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, as lockdowns disrupted daily routines and remote work became the norm, many Kenyans turned to the outdoors for solace. Nature offered a much-needed refuge—boosting mental and physical well-being during uncertain times.
Amid this shift, Corporate Kenya began embracing outdoor experiences as an innovative approach to employee wellness. One of our most exciting partnerships began in Q3 2020 with Microsoft’s Nairobi office. Through their internal hiking group—the ADC Hiking Club—we facilitated monthly hikes for employees of all fitness levels, ranging from beginner-friendly walks to more challenging treks.
These hikes quickly became more than just weekend getaways. With teams working remotely, they served as powerful tools for team building, personal growth, and fostering a sense of connection among colleagues who had never met in person.
By mid-2021, many Microsoft hikers had grown in confidence and ability. Ready for a bigger challenge, they set their sights on Point Lenana on Mount Kenya. Its accessibility and manageable schedule made it an ideal next step. Starting in May, we led a series of high-altitude hikes in the Aberdares to help the team acclimatize. In September 2021, eight team members successfully summited Lenana Peak.
Energized by that success, and barely back in Nairobi, the team committed to an even more ambitious goal: Mount Kilimanjaro. Preparation began immediately, integrating long-term fitness plans into our existing hiking schedule. Interest quickly grew beyond Nairobi, prompting ADC Hiking Club patron Yves Wahome to extend a formal invitation to Microsoft’s global offices.
In May 2022, our first Kilimanjaro expedition saw participants from Microsoft offices in Nairobi, Prague, and New York—all of whom reached the summit. We also welcomed three friends of Microsoft, further strengthening the community spirit of the expedition.
By September 2023, the expedition had grown into a truly global affair. Participants included hikers from Redmond, Reno, and Nairobi, as well as returning friends of the club. For the first time, international Microsoft offices were more represented than the Nairobi office.
In 2024, our fourth Kilimanjaro expedition featured 14 participants across two different routes, representing six nationalities. We maintained our 100% summit success rate—a testament to the preparation, resilience, and spirit of everyone involved.
That year also marked a new milestone: the introduction of a safari experience, added by request from the Microsoft Hiking Club for visiting colleagues. It was the perfect way to celebrate the climb with a classic African adventure to unwind and reflect.
At Forever Athletic, we are incredibly proud of our enduring partnership with Microsoft. Together, we are redefining what corporate wellness can look like—outside the office, on the trails, and at the summit. We look forward to continuing this journey, one mountain at a time. Our next Microsoft adventure takes us to Mt. Kilimanjaro from 1st to 10th September 2025, followed by a safari from 11th to 16th September 2025.
