Trekking it out for charity

INTREPID Bahrain-based husband and wife Samantha and Gerrit Muller are stepping out on a journey of a lifetime by trekking up Mount Kilimanjaro for charity.

The South African couple, from Janabiya, will fly to Tanzania in September to take the nine-day Lemosho route to reach Africa’s highest peak.

Samantha, 43, and Gerrit, 45, are paying for the experience themselves, with flights alone costing BD450 each. Money raised from the trek will go to local charities in Tanzania including the Ikirwa School, Korogwe Orphanage and the Nanapai Trust.

Samantha said: “I have always wanted to climb Kilimanjaro and if others can do it, I reckon why can’t I try?
“I have dreamt of climbing Kilimanjaro since I was young. We were meant to go earlier, but due to unforeseen circumstances we had to postpone.

“Finally the opportunity has arrived and I am so grateful. I love travelling and experiencing new things, and this is such an amazing adventure. If I can help to better and change peoples lives in some small way, by doing this climb, then that’s a double bonus!”

Big-hearted Samantha is no stranger to charity work and has participated in fund-raising events doing spinnathons and various different challenges.

Gerrit is accompanying his wife on the epic journey for moral support and says they are a great team. He said: “Its part of our relationship, to do things together and to support each other. My wife challenges me all the time in lots of things, in our relationship and life in general. We support each other whether we do a challenge together or alone.”

Although climbing the 19,340ft Kilimanjaro does not require any technical skills or special equipment, the journey is not to be taken lightly.

Samantha said: “There are obviously some physical requirements, however, it’s the altitude sickness which affects everyone differently.

“I have run a lot over the years and do marathons, biathlons and now triathlons. I am exercising, so that helps, but altitude can affect even the super fit.

“I am a determined person and have learned perseverance from running long distances. I am ready for the physical and mental challenge of the mountain because it’s something I have wanted to do for so long, but hope the altitude will not affect me.”

This will not be her first time scaling a mountain. Back in her native South Africa she hiked up Table Mountain, a 3,558ft flat-topped mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town.

The Lemosho route she is taking is considered the most beautiful on Kilimanjaro and grants panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain.

Adventurous Samantha says trekking Kilimanjaro is just one of the tasks on the couple’s wish list.

“Besides climbing Kili, I also hope to do a 110km cycle tour, run a 56km ultra marathon and swim to Robben Island, South Africa, across the ocean.

“I love to travel, have done some interesting things and stayed in some different and unusual places and I have no doubt that this will be a great adventure.”

Prior to the climb, Samantha and Gerrit will be visiting the charities they are donating to as a reminder of why they’ve committed to scaling new heights.

To sponsor Samantha or for more information, visit www.teamkilimanjaro.com/blog/fundraising/fundraisers/samantha-muller