Muguruza climbs Mount Kilimanjaro

Garbine Muguruza put her racquets aside and has enjoyed a change of scenery this off-season. The two-time Grand Slam champion headed to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Maria Sharapova and Lucas Pouille have also spent time in Africa this past week, with Sharapova heading to Botswana and Rwanda, and Pouille trekking the Serengeti in Tanzania.

Muguruza was joined by a friend and a group of guides to help her throughout the difficult ascent to the top of Kilimanjaro. The Spaniard got her gear from Adidas, and did her research ahead of the journey.

“I cried when my guide told me not to look down at the free fall of 300m,” Muguruza said, in an Instagram post.

The five-day expedition included pain, endurance and even some tears, but was a rewarding experience for Muguruza once she reached the highest peak in Africa.

“The last day, 22 hours straight. Day and night," she wote. "Special thanks to my guide for keeping me awake when I crash into the glacier.”

At times the temperatures dropped below -12 degrees Celsius. During the adventure of a lifetime, Muguruza also spent time with the Maasai people.

Muguruza finished the season at No. 35.