Glenn Sullivan, Brooke Bishop, Bobby-Jo Vial climb Mt Kilimanjaro for conservation

As the altitude got higher and the amount of oxygen in the air decreased, every step - as he puts it - became "slower than a bride walking down the aisle on her wedding day".

"I will never forget those last 200 meters ever. Ever. You had to summon every bit of strength you had in your core to get there," he said.

"Failure wasn't an option unless you were critically ill but there were plenty of times you needed to stop and just take breaths to motivate you to get going again."

Mr Sullivan is one of three elephant keepers who slogged it to the top of Africa's highest peak to raise thousands for animal conservation.

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He was joined by Brooke Bishop and Bobby-Jo Vial to raise $11,000 for The Askari Project - which protects the big tuskers of Africa from poachers - and Kope Lion - which works to reduce lion/human conflict.

Mr Sullivan said the trek was "gruelling". They spent four days walking into the national park before the climb even began. It takes between 11 and 12 hours to go up and back down Mount Kilimanjaro, which is then followed by another seven kilometre trek.

"I'm not a mountaineer by any description and never have been. I've been in a lot of different environments in my life but nothing can compare," Mr Sullivan said.

"I don't think my words can describe how difficult it was. It was a true test physically and mentally. At least five people a year will die doing it. It's not just a walk in the park."

As well as an African guide - who was an experienced climber - leading the trek, the group had a tour guide, and a team of porters who carried the tents, food and luggage.

They were also joined by a Maasai warrior from Kope Lion. The Maasai warriors used to hunt lions in the past and now they work with not-for-profit organisation to monitor the animals.

Half of the money raised from the climb will be used to keep that work going. One trekker alone raised $3000 for the cause.

Now back in Dubbo, Mr Sullivan said he would definitely continue to support both Kope Lion and The Askari Project.

Both the climb and the fundraising was great to have accomplished, Mr Sullivan said. He is incredibly grateful to Duma Safaris, the porters and the guides.

"Without your support team you would really struggle. They make your life as easy as it can be while you're attempting to do the hardest thing in you life you will possibly ever do," he said.