Rabat- Moroccan climber Nawal Sfendla has reached new heights by conquering the 4,884-meter Karstens Pyramid, also known as Oceania’s Roof, in Indonesia. This achievement, part of the prestigious “7 Summits Challenge,” marks Sfendla’s latest personal record as she continues her journey to conquer the world’s tallest peaks on each continent.
She described Karstens Pyramid as the most technical climb among the seven summits due to its steep, exposed ridges and the harrowing fixed rope traverses at altitudes above 4,700 meters. “It was an incredibly challenging climb,” Sfendla explained, highlighting her need to confront her fear of heights. “There were points where I had to cross on a fixed rope over a sheer drop.”
In her words, each summit is not just a physical destination but a mental and emotional trial as well.
The climb proved to be an endurance test even before Sfendla set foot on the mountain. Battling illness caused by food poisoning and coping with the quick ascent, she endured intense symptoms of altitude sickness, including nausea and loss of appetite.
To make matters more challenging, what started as a calm climb at 2 a.m. took a turn as she faced an unexpected storm that brought heavy rain and snow. The storm forced her to endure 20 hours on the mountain, from pre-dawn until her return to base camp at 10 p.m.
‘It’s about growth and overcoming limits’
Despite these hardships, Sfendla remained determined, relying on her mental fortitude to push through some of the expedition‘s most dangerous and intense conditions. She proudly stated, “I no longer fear heights. My goal has never been just reaching the top—it’s about self-growth and overcoming limits.”
Sfendla’s climb of Karstens Pyramid is the fifth of the seven summits on her list, following her conquests of Kilimanjaro (Africa), Aconcagua (South America), Elbrus (Europe), and Denali (North America). Additionally, she has twice summited the 8,163-meter Manaslu in Nepal, a feat that made her the first Moroccan and the fourth Arab to achieve this.
The expedition lasted ten days and brought together climbers from around 15 nations, reinforcing Sfendla’s belief in solidarity and mutual support. “Each climber has different backgrounds, cultures, and mindsets, yet we share one goal. For me, that is what life is about—solidarity and seeing others succeed.”
Sfendla is now preparing for her next goal: summiting Mount Everest in April 2025, and she is actively seeking sponsorships to support her journey. Her message to her community is clear: the lessons she learns and shares along her journey are meant to inspire others to pursue their own dreams, no matter the challenges.
Sfendla’s successful ascent of Karstens Pyramid was made possible thanks to the support of numerous sponsors, including two associations close to her heart. One is the French association “Grandissons Ensemble,” dedicated to promoting solidarity and supporting youth by providing resources and positive encouragement to help them thrive in their chosen fields.
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The other, “Safir Humanitaire,” is a Lille-based organization with Moroccan roots that works extensively across Africa and Morocco. Through this partnership, Sfendla raised funds and donations to aid flood victims in southern Morocco affected by the September deluge, a cause she holds close to her heart.
The climber collaborated with various brands and expressed gratitude for their support, highlighting a shared commitment to raising Morocco’s profile in the mountaineering world as she prepares for her next goal: Mount Everest in 2025.
With both physical and mental preparations underway, Nawal Sfendla is ready to embark on her next expedition. Driven by determination and a passion for self-discovery, she faces the challenges ahead with resolve. Drawing on the invaluable experiences from her previous climbs, Sfendla is set to reach new heights and push beyond her own limits.
While others have successfully completed the challenge before her, it ignited a passion within Sfendla that has driven her to continually test her limits and push her boundaries. Embracing this calling, she dedicated herself to becoming a mountaineer, eager to explore uncharted territories and uncover the full extent of her capabilities.
