Saray Khumalo

Trailblazer, Mount Everest Summiteer, Global Leadership Catalyst, Resilient adventurer translating mountaintop lessons into boardroom strategies for courage and impact

Meet Saray Khumalo

Saray Khumalo is an award-winning mountaineer, Guinness World Record holder, author, and accomplished speaker and expedition leader. In 2019, on her fourth attempt, Saray summited Mount Everest, becoming the first Black African woman to reach the world’s highest peak. She further cemented her place in mountaineering history by completing the Seven Summits challenge, climbing the highest mountains on each of the seven continents. Her journey is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the power of an unwavering vision.

Beyond her achievements on the mountains, Saray is an experienced business executive with a successful career in some of South Africa’s leading financial institutions, specializing in eCommerce and customer loyalty. She seamlessly blends her corporate expertise with the lessons from extreme expeditions to inspire and partner with organizations on transformational journeys.

Through her keynotes and leadership engagements, she empowers individuals and teams to identify personal and business goals, unlock their full potential, and achieve exceptional results.

Saray is also the founder of Summits with a Purpose, an initiative dedicated to improving education in disadvantaged African communities. Under her leadership, the initiative has raised funds to build physical and digital libraries, reflecting her belief that literacy and education are pivotal in transforming the narrative for the next generation.

Whether leading teams on challenging expeditions or speaking on global stages, Saray Khumalo’s story of courage, determination, and purpose continues to inspire people to rise above challenges and make meaningful change in their lives and communities.

5 things to know about Saray Khumalo, the first black SA woman to reach top of Mount Everest