In a special interview with Le360, Zemmama stated that receiving the Ouissam of National Reward, Officer rank, from King Mohammed VI in Tetouan during the Throne Day celebrations was a tribute to the achievements of Moroccan women and a recognition of her exceptional sporting career.
The 51-year-old mother of three began her mountaineering journey on Morocco’s Mount Toubkal before going on to climb six of the world’s seven highest summits despite numerous challenges.
Her achievements include reaching the summits of Mount Everest in Nepal (8,849 meters), Denali in the United States (6,190 meters), Aconcagua in Argentina (6,962 meters), Mount Elbrus in Russia (5,643 meters), Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (5,895 meters), and Carstensz Pyramid in Indonesia (4,884 meters).
Although Everest is renowned for its extreme altitude, low oxygen levels, and harsh weather conditions, Zemmama described Denali in Alaska as the most demanding climb of her career.
“I faced intense psychological and physical pressure because of the extreme polar cold and the particularly challenging route,” she said, adding that every expedition is the result of “rigorous preparation involving medical supervision, intensive physical training, and the unconditional support of my family and those close to me.”
Asked how she managed to balance mountaineering with her responsibilities as a mother and her work, Zemmama replied, “My maturity allows me to balance my different responsibilities through careful time management, perseverance, and deep faith.”
Through her expeditions, she hopes to pass on “the values of hard work, discipline, and effort” to young people, reminding them that “you have to roll up your sleeves.”
She also stressed that the beauty of reaching a summit comes only through immense physical and psychological sacrifice.
Looking ahead, Zemmama is preparing for her next challenge: climbing Mount Vinson in Antarctica, the highest peak at the South Pole. This expedition, which requires extensive logistics and intensive physical preparation, will mark the culmination of her mountaineering journey.
