Latest news with #MountMeru
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC star details 'horrific' car accident and says 'I should have died'
She's bravely showing how her PTSD and mental health issues won't be stopping her take on a once in the lifetime challenge. A contestant on the upcoming BBC gameshow Destination X has opened up about a near-fatal car crash that changed her perspective on life. The show, which will be hosted by Gavin and Stacey star Rob Brydon, is set to premiere next week with 13 contestants vying for a £100,000 prize. In what promises to be an epic adventure, reminiscent of The Traitors meets Race Across The World, the participants will traverse the continent without knowing their location or destination, deciphering truth from the clues, deceit, and lies presented to them. The diverse group includes an 11-time world record holder, a London cabbie who's conquered Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru and rowed the Atlantic without prior experience, a pilot, a nuclear engineer, and a content creator. Among the competitors is Claire, a retired detective sergeant from West Sussex, who's eager to "go missing for a while" in this unique challenge, reports Wales Online. he 51-year-old from West Sussex is already physically prepared for the game after training in the army and police, having worked with the latter for 26 years. She's also had some adventurous experiences, as an HGV one lorry driver travelling through France and the Alps. But it's not just her professional and adventurous pursuits that define her; Claire has also survived a harrowing ordeal. She disclosed the details of a dreadful car accident she was involved in, describing the scene as "carnage". This brush with death nearly cost her life and has since led her to adopt a new outlook on life. Claire opened up about her past, sharing: "I was in a horrific car accident seven years ago and should have died which was a life changing experience. It made me look at life completely differently. They had to shut the road for six hours, there were four ambulances, five fire engines and it was carnage. My car was in the middle and they didn't expect me to be alive. But there I was." Now gearing up for Destination X, Claire is keen to tackle the show's challenges head-on, despite grappling with mental health issues. She continued: "I'm most excited about getting stuck into the challenges. I have got PTSD and the reason I'm doing this show is to say to the world that even though you might have mental health issues, you can still do it. But equally, I know my limitations. I'm excited about pushing myself to the absolute limit but will say no if I need to." The 10-episode competition will see the players travel on a bus with sensory deprivation and no contact with the outside world, as they're tasked with attempting to figure out where they could possibly be after being offered a series of bizarre clues to help them. Only the smartest will be able to decipher the red herrings from the truth behind the hints, and the players are slowly whittled down to the winner (who scores a £100,000 prize) as they guess their locations, with the contestant furthest away from where they really are being eliminated from the game. "It's the adventure of a lifetime, with one simple question at its heart: where in the world am I? Rob Brydon masterminds the high-stakes competition where nothing is as it seems...," the synopsis teases.
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Travel + Leisure
10-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
How to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro and What to Expect, According to a Top Travel Advisor
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is no easy feat, but with ample planning and the guidance of an experienced travel advisor, you will be well-prepared for a seamless and unforgettable adventure. As someone who has personally reached the peak and planned numerous trips for clients, I can attest to the importance of having a well-organized itinerary. So whether you are a seasoned trekker or a first-time backpacker, here are some tips to ensure a flawless hike to Kilimanjaro. An intimate dining room at Elewana Arusha Coffee. Begin your journey in comfort at Arusha Coffee Lodge, a hotel located at the foot of Mount Meru and set among one of the country's largest coffee plantations. Here, visitors can relax and unwind in comfortable accommodations before heading to the mountain—setting the foundation for the perfect trip. One of the most critical elements to summiting Kilimanjaro, otherwise known as the highest mountain in Africa, is proper acclimatization. The more gradual the ascent, the greater your chances of success. That's why I always recommend choosing popular routes such as the Lemosho or Machame, which provide ample time to adjust to the altitude. For those seeking additional scenic variety, the Northern Circuit route is an excellent choice, too. It's the newest and longest route, and encircles the mountain by traveling up all of its northern slopes, offering breathtaking landscapes. When planning a trek, it is also essential to collaborate with reputable and licensed companies. That's why I work with highly trained guides and porters to guarantee my clients the utmost safety and quality of their journeys. Oxygen tanks and emergency training are available and provide peace of mind should they be necessary. Mt. Kilimanjaro seen in the distance. As you ascend Mount Kilimanjaro, anticipate an ever-changing landscape. From the lush rain forests at the base to the dramatic glaciers and views near the top, the journey is truly spectacular. Guides, porters, and chefs all work in harmony to ensure you can focus on the adventure without worrying about logistics. From expertly prepared meals to the transportation of your equipment, every detail is taken care of. The view from the verandah at Singita Sasakwa Lodge. Post summit, I recommend recovering at Gran Meliá Arusha, a hotel between the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro National Parks, with amenities like a rooftop pool or spa treatments. I also recommend extending the trip by adding a safari. Stay at Singita Sasakwa Lodge in the Serengeti, where you can enjoy a lavish safari experience with personalized game drives and awe-inspiring wildlife encounters. Finally, treat yourself to a relaxing stay at Miavana by Time + Tide in Madagascar. This exclusive island escape offers pristine beaches, luxury villas, and an opportunity to unwind after your action-packed journey. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an unparalleled experience—but it requires meticulous planning. A travel advisor can arrange every detail, from selecting reputable partners to prioritizing acclimatization. With expert firsthand knowledge, you can be confident that your journey to the summit is safe and memorable. Angela Adto Tepper is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in adventure and over-the-top trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Tepper by contacting her at [email protected] .
