“Climbing Mountains…Is as Easy as Breathing”: Fearless 6-Year-Old Trailblazer Defies All Odds to Become the Youngest Ever to Conquer Mt. Kenya

If you think climbing the rugged peaks of mountains is not child’s play, think again! For there are children out there who are making their ascent and claiming it to be an “easy” task! This is the story of a little boy from Tanzania who let his dreams get the better of him and succeeded. While most people begin their trekking lessons at eight or ten years or even older, Mohammad Taibjee already conquered the second-highest peak of Africa at the age of six! 

As fascinating as it sounds, it was not a fluke. There was proper training, a vigilant guide, and sacrifices. There were all the elements present in Taibjee’s story that any great story would have. However, a curious question might arise- why did a six-year-old dream of taking on such a perilous challenge instead of running out on the field with his friends? Let’s unravel the answer along with the marvelous tale of little Taibjee’s adventure below. 

Mohammed Taibjee spent months preparing for the hiking 

Taibjee bumped across several pictures of his uncle’s friends who trekked the peaks of Mt. Kilimanjaro. This ignited a spark in him and soon, he approached his uncle Mufaddal Tayebji. Speaking about the friend of his uncle, young Taibjee reflected, “He kept telling me that climbing mountains is something that is as easy as breathing.” Once the tour was planned, there was another thing that caught their eye. Searching on the internet made them realize that young Taibjee could potentially become the record holder to climb Mt.Kenya at six years of age. Previously, this record was held by Elsie Akeyo, who achieved this feat at eight. 

Read More: 12-Year-Old Young Climber Embarks on a Journey from Yamanashi to the Top of Africa’s Highest Peak and Conquers Kilimanjaro

Soon, Taibjee started his training along with his uncle. For three months straight, the duo indulged in rigorous training to prepare for the challenges ahead. Their routine comprised jogging, cycling, and various workouts to strengthen the core muscles and enhance lung capacity. 

When they began their journey, the team of two decided to access their destination via Chogoria in Meru County. This was a challenging terrain as gurgling streams, waterfalls, forests, and moorlands surrounded the area. As expected, the journey was not devoid of perils, and young Taibjee succumbed to one. 

Defying the odds to achieve hiking glory 

After a significant part of their ascent was done, at about 4100m, came a twist that nobody expected. As things were going smoothly, the duo took the ascent too fast and the little boy paid. Due to their rapid movement, young Taibjee could not accustom his body to the changing altitude along with the levels of oxygen and air pressure. Initially, he slowed down and suffered from high-altitude sickness.

Taibjee had most of the symptoms such as insomnia, headache, and vomiting. The conditions worsened to such an extent that the duo had the thought of quitting while at the Mintos Camp. However, he showed tremendous grit and determination to overcome the odds and ultimately fulfill his dream. 

After having returned from his journey, Taibjee now wants parents to encourage their wards to pursue adventure sports and hiking. 

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