Belgian television is set to showcase its newest adventure reality series, De Rugzak, featuring eight celebrities as they brave the ascent of Africa’s tallest mountain, Kilimanjaro. Scheduled to premiere on December 26, 2023, the program promises to blend excitement with personal discovery, as its stars take on this epic climb both physically and emotionally.
Presenting the show is Xavier Taveirne, known for his work as a television host. Joining him are notable names including former Miss Belgium Véronique De Kock, TV personality Stephanie Planckaert, comedian Soe Nsuki, YouTuber Ender Scholtens, actor Mathias Vergels, actor Ben Segers, and singer Emma Bale. The series is another chapter of the growing genre where Belgian public figures engage in extreme forms of travel and challenges, having previously trekked through deserts, oceans, and even Greenland, as seen in prior shows.
Each participant carries their unique backpack outfitted with three cameras and audio equipment, allowing them to document authentic, unscripted moments throughout their climb. Emanuel Vanderjeugd, CEO of the production company Geronimo, elaborates, “So you get to see the real deal — conversations without crews or directors, completely spontaneous.” This format is anticipated to reveal the genuine experiences of the celebrities, setting De Rugzak apart from similar shows.
Taveirne expressed the challenges of this unconventional role, saying, “The first two days were extremely hard to get used to. That’s why you won’t see me too much in the first episode.” He reflects on how he needed to let go of his presenting persona and allow himself to be vulnerable, adding humorously, “When you’re focused on your breath during the hike, your articulation is the last of your worries.” Such sentiments reflect the transformative nature of the trek, emphasizing personal growth amid trial.
Describing their initial test on nearby Mount Neru, Taveirne admitted, “I doubted 6,000 times, but I pushed through. Even if I had to fight through the experience alive, I still wanted to reach the top.” His candid revelations highlight the mental hurdles inherent to high-altitude climbing, along with the camaraderie built among the diverse group. “I did have my reservations about how viewers would react,” Taveirne commented. “But the adventure became something unique, something I’d never have taken away from me.”
Each trekker carried with them tokens or messages from home, evoking emotional responses reflective of the personal stakes involved. Taveirne shared, “I was prepared for who might send me messages, and I found myself more moved by others’ stories than my own.” The emotional undercurrents of the experience resonate deeply, impacting each participant uniquely.
De Rugzak also takes viewers on dramatic visual journeys, with the first episode showcasing close encounters with wildlife, including giraffes. Vanderjeugd described how the spontaneous filming captures the raw beauty of the trek, stating, “You won't see this kind of interaction on screen too frequently; we’re excited for audiences to witness these moments.”
This latest venture merges entertainment with personal exploration, promoting resilience, teamwork, and self-discovery among the celebrities embarking on this extraordinary quest. Taveirne noted, “While I contemplate future television appearances reflecting on this trip, I’ll choose offers carefully. This effort was something I see as part of my nonexistent bucket list.”
Woven through the narrative of De Rugzak is the spirit of overcoming obstacles, as the participants push beyond their limits—both physically and mentally. With its launch right after the holiday season, this show aims to inspire audiences to engage with their own adventures, reinforcing the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone. “Let everyone just be themselves, and let’s see what happens. I’m ready for war,” Taveirne remarked with infectious enthusiasm.
Mark your calendars for December 26, as De Rugzak promises not just breathtaking landscapes of Kilimanjaro, but also the captivating, emotional stories of the Belgian celebrities making this monumental ascent. The remarkable journeys undertaken here serve as reminders of human resilience and the spirit of adventure, leaving viewers eager for the inspiration to chart their own paths.
