Sometime last year, I got an email. At first glance, it looked like an ordinary email, probably a climber wanting to join a group or get a quote to climb Mount Kilimanjaro privately. Upon the back-and-forth correspondence of emails and WhatsApp messages, something caught my eye. It was not a normal climb that we were to organise, but a whole cause, a cry for a mother, an ambition of a daughter. She was straightforward in what she wanted, but above all, the courage to reach out and open up; she had two worries. One, she wanted to climb Kilimanjaro, but her climbing partner was not just any other ordinary climber; she was a child, just about to turn 10 years old. Ok, the age thing was out of the way because the minimum age for climbers to Kilimanjaro is 10 years. But still, she would need the utmost care from our crew on the mountain, which wasn’t the main problem. Number two, she wanted female porters, female guides and female drivers in between transfers. As we continued communicating and planning the trip, she opened up that she was worried about the safety of her only daughter and herself. We have guided female climbers before, solo female climbers, women’s groups and climbs of that sort, but she stressed how much that was important. It was when she expressed her safety concerns and explained the situation in India, how girls and women were being raped, that I understood her point and where she was coming from. First, I assured her that we could facilitate an all-female crew; in fact, our Mount Kenya chief guide was a mature woman. I also assured her that on pickup at the airport, I would be the one to personally pick them up instead of sending a driver she had never spoken to, a total stranger at the airport. I also assured her that I would be accompanied by my sister. This gave them a sense of relief and assuagement. We planned the trip as per her wishes, and on the 14th of March, 2025, I drove a day earlier to Nairobi from Arusha, and I arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 5:00 am in the morning to meet them. Everything went smoothly, and on March 30th 2025, Ravya, a remarkable young girl from Patiala, Punjab, engraved her name in history as the youngest person to summit both Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya in a single expedition, a feat she undertook to raise awareness about the heinous crime of rape in India. At just 10 years, Ravya’s journey was not only a physical triumph but also a powerful statement against gender-based violence, amplifying the voices of women and girls in her home country. Guided by Tranquil Kilimanjaro and with me, having the privilege of accompanying her, Ravya’s expedition was a blend of courage, cultural connection, and compassion. Through personal interactions with Ravya and her mother during our drives between Nairobi and Moshi, as well as shared moments celebrating Holi with orphanage children and savouring Indian cuisine, I gained profound insights into Ravya’s drive, her upbringing, and the stark realities faced by women in India.
The Journey Begins: Arrival and Preparation
Ravya and her mother landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi on March 14, 2025, at 5:10 AM. My sister and I greeted them warmly, escorting them to the awaiting van, ready to transport them to Moshi, Tanzania, arriving late afternoon to check into the serene Chanya Lodge. In between the drive to Moshi, we stopped over in Arusha for lunch and a chat with Ravya and her mother, Santosh. Ravya’s eyes sparkled with determination as she shared her mission: to climb Africa’s two iconic peaks to spotlight the pervasive issue of rape in India, where, according to reports, a rape occurs every 15 minutes. Her mother, a pillar of strength, spoke of Ravya’s resolve to inspire change despite her young age. Their bond was evident, and I was struck by Ravya’s articulate passion and her mother’s unwavering support.
Conquering Kilimanjaro: The Lemosho Route
On March 15, Ravya embarked on the 8-day Lemosho route, known for its scenic beauty and excellent acclimatization profile. The journey began at Lemosho Gate (7,800 ft), where Ravya, her mother, and our expert guides drove through lush rainforests to Mti Mkubwa Camp (9,500 ft). The 6 km trek took 3-4 hours, and Ravya’s enthusiasm was infectious as she marvelled at the dense forest. Over the next days, she traversed diverse terrains:
- March 16: From Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp (11,500 ft), Ravya crossed savannahs and streams, captivated by Kibo’s distant silhouette. The 8 km hike took 5-6 hours, and she chatted about her school’s efforts to educate girls on safety.
- March 17: Exploring the Shira Plateau, Ravya moved from Shira 1 to Shira 2 and onto Moir Camp (13,800 ft), a 14 km journey. The moorland’s vastness mirrored her expansive vision for change. She shared stories of survivors she’d met, fueling her climb.
- March 18: A critical acclimatization day took her to Lava Tower (15,000 ft) before descending to Barranco Camp (13,000 ft). The 7 km trek was tough, but Ravya’s resilience shone as she navigated the “Shark’s Tooth” formation.
- March 19: Climbing the Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp and then Barafu Camp (15,300 ft), Ravya covered 9 km in 8-10 hours. At Barafu, she prepared mentally for the summit push, discussing how climbing mirrored the uphill battle against sexual violence.
- March 20: The summit day began at midnight. Ravya ascended through scree to Stella Point (18,600 ft), then to Uhuru Peak (19,345 ft), reaching Africa’s highest point at sunrise. Her triumphant smile, framed by Kibo’s glaciers, was a testament to her strength. She unfurled a banner reading, “Stop Rape, Empower Women,” a moment that moved us all. After descending to Mweka Camp (10,000 ft), Ravya reflected on how the climb symbolized overcoming societal barriers.
On March 21, Ravya descended to Mweka Gate, earning her gold certificate for summiting Uhuru Peak. Our team celebrated with a heartfelt ceremony, and we drove back to Moshi, where Ravya enjoyed a hot shower at Chanya Lodge.
Cultural Connections: Holi in Moshi
Before leaving Moshi, we paused to celebrate Holi with children from a local orphanage. Ravya, vibrant and joyful, joined the kids in tossing colored powders, her laughter blending with theirs. She spoke to the children about courage and dreams, drawing parallels to her mission. I watched her mother beam with pride, later telling me how she raised Ravya to be empathetic yet fierce, teaching her to stand up for justice from a young age. This stop was a reminder of Ravya’s ability to connect across cultures, using her platform to inspire even the youngest hearts.
Safari Interlude: Tanzania’s Wild Heart
From March 22-24, Ravya and her mother explored Tanzania’s national parks, a well-deserved break before tackling Mount Kenya. In Tarangire National Park, Ravya was awestruck by elephant herds and baobab trees, relating their strength to the resilience of survivors. At Ngorongoro Crater, she spotted the Big Five, including the rare black rhino, and drew parallels between the crater’s protective walls and the need for safe spaces for women. In Lake Manyara, tree-climbing lions and flamingos captivated her, and she noted how nature’s balance inspired her advocacy for societal harmony. We stayed at Marera Valley Lodge in Karatu, where Ravya savored Indian cuisine—spicy biryani and naan—available in Arusha and Moshi, a taste of home that grounded her.
Scaling Mount Kenya: Sirimon-Chogoria Route
On March 24, we drove from Arusha to Nairobi, checking into the Best Western Hotel. The next day, March 25, Ravya began her Mount Kenya climb via the Sirimon-Chogoria route. Starting at Sirimon Gate (2,600 m), she hiked 9 km through rainforests to Old Moses Camp (3,300 m), spotting colobus monkeys. Over the following days:
- March 26: A 13 km trek through Mackinder’s Valley led to Shipton’s Camp (4,300 m). Ravya’s stamina impressed our guides as she crossed rivers and ridges, discussing how education could empower girls against violence.
- March 27: Rising at 2:00 AM, Ravya summited Point Lenana (4,985 m) at sunrise, with Kilimanjaro faintly visible 320 km away. The panoramic view was a reward for her grit. She descended to Mackinder’s Camp (3,300 m), exhausted but elated.
- March 28: A 4-5 hour descent to Met Station Camp brought her through bamboo zones, where syke monkeys entertained her. Ravya shared how her mother’s lessons on perseverance guided her.
- March 29: Ravya reached Naromoru Park Gate, signing out before returning to Nairobi’s Best Western Hotel, her second summit complete.
Insights on the Road: Nairobi to Moshi and Back
During our 6-hour drives between Nairobi and Moshi, I learned much about Ravya’s world. Her mother shared stories of raising Ravya in Patiala, instilling values of courage and compassion despite India’s challenges for women. Ravya spoke candidly about the fear many girls face, citing cases like the 2012 Delhi gang rape that sparked national outrage. She explained how rape’s stigma silences survivors, and her climbs aimed to break that silence. Her intelligence shone through in her analysis of systemic issues—patriarchy, lack of enforcement, and societal apathy. I was humbled by her clarity and moved by her mother’s role in shaping such a formidable young woman. These conversations deepened my understanding of the gendered violence crisis in India, where over 31,000 rape cases were reported in 2021 alone, likely an undercount.
Culinary Stops: Indian Flavours in Tanzania
In Moshi and Arusha, we stopped at restaurants serving Indian cuisine, a nod to Ravya’s roots and it was a Chowpatty Indian Cuisine Restaurant that we really had a long and candid talk with not only Ravyaa but also the mother, Santosh, about how worried she was of the Indian girls’ futures, their safety and well-being amid rising cases of rape. In Moshi, she relished paneer tikka, joking it gave her “summit energy.” In Arusha, we enjoyed samosas and mango lassi at a local eatery, where Ravya connected with the staff, many of whom were of Indian descent. These moments of cultural familiarity strengthened her resolve, reminding her of the community she was climbing for.
A Legacy of Impact
On March 30, Ravya departed JKIA, leaving behind a legacy as the youngest to conquer both peaks in one go. Her climbs with Tranquil Kilimanjaro raised global awareness about rape in India, with her story shared on social media and local news. As her guide and the founder of Tranquil Kilimanjaro, I was profoundly changed by Ravya’s mission. Her courage, her mother’s wisdom, and their shared vision for a safer India left an indelible mark. Ravya’s journey was more than a climb—it was a call to action, proving that even the youngest voices can move mountains.
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