Renowned adventurer Mike Horn is no stranger to the world's most remote and challenging environments. From the icy expanses of the Arctic to the dense jungles of the Amazon, his expeditions have captivated audiences worldwide. In this exclusive interview with Outlook Traveller, we delve into the motivations driving his passion for exploration and his commitment to environmental conservation.
Your expeditions have taken you to some of the most extreme and remote locations. What drives your passion for exploration, and how has it evolved over the years?
My passion for exploration has always been fuelled by a deep curiosity about the world and a desire to witness its most remote and untouched corners. My childhood was surrounded by wild nature in South Africa, and later in life, moving to Switzerland as my new home contributed to enriching this curiosity. This is where I developed a strong attraction to cold and winter sports. Over the years, this passion has evolved into a commitment to raising awareness about the beauty of the planet and sharing this profound connection with the world. My partnership with Panerai and their consistent support has fortified my expeditions and empowered me to share these enriching experiences and my projects with a global audience.
Your upcoming four-year voyage with the Environmental Youth Program "Pangaea X" aims to highlight the impact of climate change. What specific changes or effects are you hoping to document and bring to the world's attention?
The upcoming "What’s Left" expedition, a four-year voyage aboard Pangaea X, holds a meaningful purpose. It serves as a legacy adventure to travel to both familiar and unexplored places, creating a narrative that transcends time. This journey is not just about witnessing changes over the years but also about transmitting my heritage to a new generation of explorers and instilling in them a love and respect for the world and its wonders.
The Pangaea X program was inspired by the realisation that empowering young minds is crucial for sustainable change. Envisioning participants developing innovative eco-friendly projects and becoming future leaders in environmental conservation, the program fosters a sense of responsibility for our planet, creating a community of young leaders supporting them in making conscious choices.
You've been associated with Panerai for over two decades. How has this partnership supported your vision for exploration and environmental conservation?
Panerai has been an unwavering partner for over two decades, providing not just timepieces but reliable and durable tools that withstand the harshest conditions of my expeditions. This partnership has been instrumental in sharing these enriching experiences as well as my own projects with a global audience, encouraging a deeper connection with nature. Panerai and I share core values of precision, resilience, and a relentless commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. This alignment is not just theoretical; it is reflected in the practical instruments Panerai provides for my explorations.
Can you share a particularly challenging moment from one of your expeditions and how you overcame it? What lessons did you draw from that experience?
One of the most challenging moments in my exploration journey was during the latest expedition to the North Pole in 2019. The conditions were extremely unpredictable due to the changing climate, pushing the limits of my capabilities. Overcoming this adversity taught me an invaluable lesson in adaptability and perseverance, not giving up on what one truly believes in.
Among your remarkable achievements, from swimming the Amazon solo to walking to the North Pole during the dark season, is there one expedition that stands out as the most personally significant to you?
While each expedition holds its unique significance, my first big polar adventure around the Arctic Circle, called Arktos, stands out as an introduction to a world that was still unknown to me: polar regions. Panerai's crucial contribution supported me in this adventure by designing our first watch in collaboration, the Luminor Arktos PAM00092, a precision tool - specifically engineered for extreme cold and polar magnetic fields - that allowed me to navigate through harsh conditions.
In what ways do you believe your expeditions and storytelling have influenced or inspired individuals to engage with nature and pursue their own adventurous paths?
I hope that sharing the narratives of my expeditions and the wonders of nature has inspired individuals worldwide not only to appreciate the beauty of our planet and respect it but also to embark on their own adventurous paths.
Looking ahead, what are the biggest challenges you foresee for exploration and environmental conservation, and how do you hope to address them through your future projects and initiatives?
Looking forward, the greatest challenges in exploration and environmental conservation include striking a balance between development and conservation. My future initiatives aim to collaborate with global communities, governments, and organisations to find comprehensive and sustainable solutions. Adapting to a changing environment without changing who we are is a key focus.