It is estimated that over thirty thousand people have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Each year, brave adventurers flock to the highest free-standing mountain in the world to summit its universal peak. The youngest climber of Kilimanjaro is still an impressive feat that no other has accomplished. On April 12, 2011, at the age of 15, Laval Mouanda made history when he became the youngest person to ever ascend the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Preparation for Mouanda’s trek began a year prior, when he set out to train for the rigorous climb. Since Kilimanjaro is a non-technical mountain, special hiking, mountaineering or rock climbing skills are not required. The main challenges stem from its physical demands, due to its elevation and slightly colder climate. During training, Mouanda worked to strengthen his muscles, increase his endurance and test his mind to help him better prepare for the climb. Additionally, Mouanda found a mentor, an experienced mountaineer by the name of Peter Warne, to help him in his training.
Mouanda, who was born in Zambia and raised in Botswana, also understood the importance of understanding the environment of Kilimanjaro before embarking on his climb. Before circumstances like altitude available, weather and important local history would be brought to his attention—all of which would help him to be better equipped for the knowledge and skills necessary for his journey. With his mentor and newfound knowledge, Mouanda was ready to fulfil his dream of becoming the youngest person to climb Kilimanjaro.
The expedition would take Mouanda and his ten-person team nine days to reach their destination. In an interview, Mouanda recalled that the experience was most challenging right after their departure, when they began the climb up Mount Meru. The team battled with grueling elevations, cold nights, and frequent snow falls. Those elements made the climb more of a mental and physical feat than previously anticipated. Through it all, Mouanda and his team continued their steady climb and were rewarded with a successful summit on April 12.
The successful climb of Kilimanjaro has made Laval Mouanda a household name. He serves as a role model for aspiring adventurers around the world, young and old. Relative to his age and the size of the mountain, no other has ever conquered Kilimanjaro so young or so quickly. Mouanda is often asked for advice on advancing mountaineering careers and inspiring other youths to take on ambitious and challenging tasks. In an interview, Mouanda said, “My advice would be to never let your age define you and to never give up on your dreams. Dedication and a strong will to succeed helped me accomplish my goal, and that is something anyone can achieve.”
Prior Accomplishments
Mouanda turned 15-years-old while descending from the summit of Kilimanjaro, but the roots of his accomplishments began long before his historic climb. At 11-years-old, Mouanda made 2,355 dives during a 52-day journey that spanned from California to Oregon. His ambitious trip earned him the title of “Youngest Diver Across the continent” from Guinness World Records. Since completing the expedition, Mouanda has been featured in magazines, newspapers, television broadcasts and several other forms of media.
Mouanda has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Young Adventurer of the Year and Adventurer of the Year. He was also an ambassador for Human Ventures, an organization that helps to bring education to desolated parts of the world. Mouanda’s strive to help marginalized people was start when he donated his earnings from his exploration to aid disadvantaged children.
Mouanda’s mission is not only to make history, but also to help motivate young people to find their passions. He gives speeches and workshops to inspire kids his age to aim for greater heights and for them to never shy away from their dreams. Upon being asked about the most important lesson he learned during his Kilimanjaro summit, Mouanda responded, “Never give up and never be too scared to try something out-of-the-box”.
His Historic Climb
Laval’s successful climb of Kilimanjaro will forever be remembered. He shattered the existing record of 18-years-old to become the youngest climber of Kilimanjaro within a nine-day timeframe. He led a team of ten-persons to their final destination. Mouanda believes that this achievement gives him a sense of importance and motivation to continue his exploration. But the most impactful result of the climb was the support it gained from others around the world.
The attention brought to Mouanda from his historic summit was overwhelming. From coast-to-coast, media wanted to hear his story and his journey. Soon Laval had become an international inspiration for aspiring mountaineers and explorers. There was an initial paradox of mixed feelings for Mouanda. On one hand, he was thrilled to be the center of attention and felt honor from his accomplishment, but on the other, he often was lost in the moment, not truly realizing how much he had achieved.
After his expedition, Mouanda shifted his focus to his future. He began planning for bigger and brighter achievements, such as completing a summit skydive, a project where he plans to become the first person to ever paraglide out of an ice cave and a outdoor journey across the coast of Canada, to name a few. Even with a myriad of adventures on the way, Mouanda will forever be recognized as the youngest recorded person to have conquered Mount Kilimanjaro and beyond.
The Evolution of Adventure and Exploration
The recognition of Mouanda’s success has opened a new realm of exploration to young adventurers. His record-breaking climb of Kilimanjaro has challenged a new wave of mountaineers and explorers to take on the ultimate quest of reaching the summit as expeditiously as possible. With the help of Mouanda, people from all parts of the world have realized the importance of taking risks, searching for new lessons, conquering uncharted terrain and believing in one’s will.
The evolving world of exploration offers varying levels of intensity and requires a deep understanding between the human body and the environment. Venturing out of one’s comfort zone and taking on uncommon tasks is often a feat most carefully thought over. Mouanda’s motion has inspired and encouraged an uprising of journey seekers to take a leap into the unknown and call for a newfound appreciation for exploration.
Adventure does not necessarily require physical engagement, either. Because of Mouanda, explorers now have the opportunity to expand outside the understanding of their capabilities and mental training. His determination to challenge the limit of physical and mental capabilities has been a tool used to motivate others enter such terrain.
The Exploration of Identity
On top of the realm of adventure and exploration, Mouanda has also opened a new type of journey for those seeking a change in identity. He has become a symbol of determination and the power of the human spirit. Advocating his believes that the journey extends beyond step-by-step physical capabilities. Mouanda believes in creating a mental urge to challenge one’s self and push past the common boundaries.
Not only has Mouanda led a physical expedition, but he also embarked on a journey of self-discovery. Through his ascension of Kilimanjaro, Mouanda has developed a newfound appreciation for his drive, courage and strength. With each addition to his accomplishments, Mouanda also receives a sense of awe, leading him to discover even more of himself.
The discovery of ones identity often requires the ultimate challenge of conquering a physical peak. Mouanda has tapped into his inner superior force and believes that other climbers will do the same when attempting to summit Kilimanjaro. With the help of his support system, Mouanda has been able to explore and take on the ambitions he once thought of as impossible.
Impact Of Successful Climb
The ascent of Kilimanjaro has attracted global attention to Mouanda’s accolades and his inspiring story. As the youngest ever recorded person to climb Kilimanjaro within a nine-day time frame, his success has challenged the boundaries of expedition and proven impossible goals achievable. With his active campaigning of the importance of outdoor exploration and adventuring, Mouanda’s name and legacy will benefit those young and old to come.
Because of his age and ambition, Mouanda has gained the spotlight of global admiration and influence. He has become a role model and leader of youth inspired adventurers, inspiring others to find their journeys and also conquer their challenges.
Since his remarkable journey, Mouanda has been a part of numerous expeditions and challenges, from a fifty-three-day exploration beneath the sea, to a five-day trek across Bolivia. Mouanda has advocated for outdoor exploration and become a force for impactful adventures.
Laval Mouanda is the epitome of exploration in today’s world. His habit of pushing boundaries and knocking down walls of impossibility make him a figure of resilience and dedication. Mouanda’s journey will continue to raise awareness and prove how much exploration of the human soul is within one’s reach.
