What started off as one man’s goal to conquer the highest freestanding mountain in the world, has morphed into a business venture, to help others get there, too.

Bernie Anderson plans to host treks to Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania with his own company starting next year. He said he’s already signing up interested adventurers for 2023, with plans to tackle the mountain at least five more times.

The Apopka pastor first climbed Kilimanjaro in 2018 and, after months of rigorous training, will leave on Feb. 13 to tackle the mountain once again.

“This is it. I’m closing in on time to fly out,” he said, as he laced up his sneakers for one of his final runs. “You just have to stretch yourself a little bit. I love the idea of the challenge of it, too.”

In addition to running, Anderson’s preparation consisted of strength training and hikes at Wekiva Springs. Anderson noted that while it’s difficult to simulate significant altitude changes and “tough to get the elevation” in Florida, it was the most apt form of training in the Sunshine State.

For Anderson, the 7-day climb is itself both “deeply moving” and “spiritual.”

For this year's trip, he will lead 28 other mountaineers — from doctors to professors, from across the country — and says that amid the pandemic, that only furthers a profound sense of community and shared struggle.

“There’s been such a huge response to this trip," Anderson said. "I think people want to get out of isolation — I think people want to get out and travel, and see the world and climb mountains."

To learn more about his trips, visit HigherGround_Treks on Instagram.