Maltese mountain climber Rita Saliba has reached base camp on Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, achieving an important milestone in her current expedition to support abandoned animals.
The 31‑year‑old set out on 19th December for Argentina to begin her climb of Aconcagua which is south America’s tallest peak at nearly 7,000 metres. After several days of trekking and acclimatisation, she has now arrived safely at base camp, where she is preparing for the challenging stages ahead.
Saliba plans to make her final summit attempt in early January if the weather permits. Aconcagua is known for unpredictable conditions, including strong winds and extreme cold that test even seasoned climbers.
Well known for her accomplishments in both mountain and rock climbing, this expedition goes beyond a personal athletic goal. It is part of her broader aim to complete the Seven Summits, climbing the highest peak on each continent, while also raising funds and awareness for Malta’s Association for Abandoned Animals (AAA).
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Animal welfare is a key motivation for Saliba’s climb. Through this journey, she hopes to shine a spotlight on the ongoing difficulties faced by abandoned animals in Malta and to encourage public support for the work of the Association for Abandoned Animals.
Over the past two years, Saliba has made steady progress toward her Seven Summits goal, having previously summited Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Mount Elbrus in Russia, gaining both experience and resilience for tougher climbs.
Aconcagua represents one of the most physically and mentally demanding challenges she has faced so far due to its high altitude and harsh environment.
Alongside her mountaineering ambitions, Saliba’s climb continues to be a platform for raising funds and awareness for animal welfare efforts in Malta.
Well done Rita!
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