Jessica Biel climbed Mount Kilimanjaro

Jessica Biel, along with the Summit on the Summit team, made it to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro. This was the first time that a team of cultural influencers and clean water advocates climbed the mountain to raise awareness of the global clean water crisis.

“I’m never going to do that again,” Biel said.

“It was such a challenge for me. It was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever done… Sometimes it was kind of miserable. Altitude sickness is like a general uncomfortable, uneasy feeling. You just can’t think straight.”

While Jessica won’t be heading out again herself anytime soon, she recommended climbing Kilimanjaro wholeheartedly.

“Hiking for seven hours a day and sleeping in tents and being out in the wilderness was a real experience everyone should try,” she said. “We’ve raised some awareness for the water problem and that was the whole idea.”

The purpose of the climb was to raise money and awareness of the global clean-water crisis, to help spread the message about the initiative globally. Summit’s partner, Water.org explores solutions to the clean water crisis by improving access to safe drinking water around the world. 

The Summit on the Summit team began their climb up Mount Kilimanjaro on Thursday, January 7, 2010. Kenna reflected with pride on the expedition and its impact saying, “I am proud of the Summit team and their endurance and focus to reach the top of Kilimanjaro. But I am more thankful that when we got there, everyone was still clear on why they climbed — everyone deserves clean water and Water = Life.”

The team reached the peak after a grueling weeklong climb. Situated in northeastern Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak on the African continent at 19,341 feet. The actress’ climbing team included Emile Hirsch, Isabel Lucas, Tipper Gore, Lupe Fiasco, Santigold and Kenna.

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See Summit on Summit Team Reaches Top of Kilimanjaro