In an inspiring conversation with ATQNews, Catherine Rose, a Seychelloise mother of two and passionate mountaineer now living in Kenya, opens up about her incredible journey from a corporate career at Absa Bank to conquering some of Africa’s highest and most challenging peaks.
From standing tall as the only Seychellois on Uganda’s Margherita Peak to becoming the first Seychellois woman to raise her flag on Point Lenana, Mount Kenya, Catherine shares her motivations, challenges, and what drives her adventurous spirit beyond the mountains.
1) Can you please tell us your name and where you’re from?
My name is Catherine Rose (35yrs), (née Savy de St. Maurice). I am a mother of two children, (an 11year old son, Arnaud and a 7year old daughter, Megan) and I am a Seychelloise living in Kenya. I relocated to Nairobi, Kenya in 2016.
2) What was your background like before you got into mountain climbing?
Before moving, I was working for Absa bank Seychelles as a Transactional Manager. I have an MBA degree in Leadership and Sustainability. My life before taking up mountain climbing was simple and mundane. I was a workaholic. I had so much focus on my career and worked hard to climb up the corporate ladder.
3) How did it feel to conquer Uganda’s highest point, Africa’s third highest peak?
It was a beautiful moment, being the only Seychellois in my group of hikers. When I stood at the summit of Margherita Peak ( 5109m.asl), it reminded me of when I stood at the summit of Batian (5199m.asl) , Mount Kenya’s Highest Peak on the 14th of February, 2025. I am extremely proud and inspired by my accomplishment.
4) What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the climb?
To reach the summit of Margherita Peak, you must traverse and navigate ice passages, rocks, and steep inclines with 50-60% slopes and it involves significant rock climbing, especially on the final ascent to the summit. My challenges were getting used to crampons. I had to learn to walk with a wider stance and in a slightly squatting posture, to ensure that all of the crampon points are engaged with the snow for optimal grip; and secondly, using an ice axe, to stay in balance. Those two essential tools were needed when crossing Stanley glacier, then on to the Margherita glacier.
5) Earlier this year, you climbed both the highest and second highest peaks of Mount Kenya, how did that compare to your recent experience?
Yes, on the 14th February,2025, I successfully reached the summit of Mount Kenya’s Highest Peak – Batian (5199m.asl) and Mount Kenya’s second Highest Peak Nelion (5188m.asl), organized by Hike Maniak. The only similarities between these three peaks was when I had to make the summit ascent to Margherita Peak which required a bit of rock climbing experience. However, being a rock climber, I enjoyed that very much. It was a walk in the park for me. The rest of the day hikes, were different. The terrains and landscapes cannot be compared. Each has their own personality and beauty. Trekking through the Rwenzori valley reminded me of my recent expedition to Kilimanjaro (5895m.asl), – Marangu Route; in March 2025, organized by Mamba Hikers. The flora and fauna of both Kilimanjaro and The Rwenzori mountains boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna across its various ecological zones.
6) What keeps you motivated and inspired to take on such tough and amazing adventures?
To show that albeit being from a small island country, Seychellois is a strong, ambitious and daring nation. I am proud to be a Seychellois. I look at my previous achievements from an educational point of view. In Seychelles we are taught about Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Fuji, Mount Everest and many other well-known mountains in geography, but not Mount Kenya, Margherita Peak, Mount Meru, etc… I was filled with immense joy and pride to be the first Seychellois woman to showcase the Seychelles flag at the summit of Mount Kenya’s third highest peak ( Point Lenana – 4985m.asl) in December 2024. Personally, I believe that no dream is too small. Even a young woman from a small island state, in fact the smallest country in Africa, can accomplish monumental feats. I made history and made the headlines back home.
