Davao del Sur, Philippines — November 22–24 2025 — At 79 years old, Miss Margaret Burger from South Africa has achieved an extraordinary milestone in Philippine mountaineering history. She successfully completed a Mt. Apo trek via the Sta. Cruz to Bansalan trail, becoming the oldest female foreigner to finish the Sta. Cruz–Bansalan traverse.
Her inspiring journey to the summit of Mount Apo was not just about personal endurance—
it was deeply rooted in family, encouragement, and shared dreams. The expedition was guided by
Engr. Albert Gabriel and his team from Mt. Apo Adventures, ensuring a safe and well-coordinated
climb.
The Real Reason Behind the Climb
She came to visit her nephew who works in the Philippines. When travelling she likes to include a hike so she encouraged her nephew and his wife to join her.
Adding depth and experience to the team was a friend from Germany, a 68-year-old seasoned
hiker and longtime climbing companion of Miss Burger. They had previously trekked in Nepal and South America building years of shared high-altitude experience and trust. Their mountaineering history provided strong physical conditioning and mental resilience, which proved invaluable on Mt. Apo’s diverse and sometimes unpredictable terrain.
His presence not only reinforced safety and pacing but also symbolized the enduring
friendship forged through years of mountaineering adventures.
The Challenge of the Sta. Cruz–Bansalan Traverse
Mount Apo, standing at 2,954 meters above sea level, is renowned for its challenging
landscapes—ranging from mossy forests and sulphur vents to expansive grasslands and rocky
summit zones.
The Sta. Cruz–Bansalan traverse is considered one of the most scenic yet demanding
routes on the mountain. Unlike backtrail climbs, a traverse requires hikers to ascend from one
municipality and descend through another, covering varied terrain conditions over multiple days.
From November 22 to 24, 2025, Miss Burger and her team successfully ascended via Sta. Cruz and descended through Bansalan, completing the full traverse with discipline, teamwork, and
steady pacing.
A Record-Setting Milestone
By completing this route, Miss Margaret Burger earned the distinction of being the oldest
female foreigner to trek Mt. Apo via the Sta. Cruz traverse to Bansalan trail.
At 79 years old, her achievement challenges conventional perceptions of age and physical
limits. More importantly, it highlights how preparation, support systems, and shared purpose can
transform ambitious goals into reality.
Guided by Local Expertise
The expedition was professionally led by Engr. Albert Gabriel and his team from Mt. Apo
Adventures. The group ensured strict adherence to safety standards, environmental regulations,
and responsible trekking principles such as Leave No Trace.
Their local knowledge of the trail conditions, weather patterns, and logistical coordination was instrumental in the team’s safe and successful summit.
A Story of Generations and Global Friendship
Miss Burger’s Mt. Apo climb is more than a record—it is a powerful story of family,
friendship, and determination. It highlights her nephew with his wife completing their first major
climb in the Philippines, a 79-year-old woman proving that age is no barrier to adventure and the presence of a 68-year-old hiking companion who has shared many mountain climbs with her.
Together, their journey on Mount Apo reflects the mountain’s growing global appeal and shows that adventure transcends age, nationality, and experience level.
Adventure Has No Age Limit
Miss Burger’s successful Sta. Cruz–Bansalan traverse demonstrates that courage and determination are timeless qualities. Her Biokineticist, Lesego Malele from Sports Science Institute in South Africa (SSISA-https://www.ssisa.com), based on her fitness assessment created a program tailored for her to achieve such a feat. Supported by expert Filipino guides, she turned a family visit into a historic milestone.
At 79, she stands not only as a record holder—but as an inspiration.
Mt. Apo has once again proven that the summit belongs to those who dare to pursue it—no matter their age.
