Kenya Travel: Hiking at Mt Kenya
Hiking is an out door activity appealing mostly to the adventure seekers as it’s often strenuous requiring physical fitness. It serves as a great pastime and a perfect way of maintaining a great physique. Hiking or trekking (a term commonly used in East Africa) involves walking on natural environments by following a path or trail usually created to minimize the extent of damage caused by hikers to the environment.
The reason for this was the growing interest in this activity thus having a steady rise in the numbers over the years, where masses of hikers sought beautiful environments to hike in resulting to major land degradation; environmentalists in their quest to conserve the environment whilst allowing lovers of nature to enjoy it, recommended a trail/path thus limiting the damage to only one area.
In Kenya hiking takes place in mountains such as Mount Kenya which is Kenya’s highest mountain, Mount Longonot a dormant strato volcano located southeast of Lake Naivasha, and hells gate gorge a colorful layer of rocks and sandy river bottom. Hiking also took place in Mt.Elgon but continuous conflicts among the locals of the area saw the mountain closed off to the rest of the world due to the eminent danger they would have to face should they attempt hiking in the area.
Bike hiking is an interesting alternative to the norm of exploring Africa in vehicles.
Hiking can take a day or even more depending on an individual’s preference and the venue where hiking is taking place. In the case of hiking a mountain such as Mount Kenya who’s highest peak [batian] stands at 5199m, the area experiences temperatures fluctuations where it is said to be winter every night and summer every day and as such a special first day for acclimatization is crucial.
There are a total of 8 hiking routes which include Meru, Chogoria, Kamweti, Naro Moru, Burguret, Sirimon and Timau Routes. Of these Chogoria, Naro Moru and Sirimon and used most frequently and therefore have staffed gates. The other routes require special permission from the Kenya Wildlife Service to use. Hiking mount Longonot is not as daunting compared to Mt.Kenya. A trail runs from the park entrance up to the crater rim, and continues in a loop encircling the crater.
The whole tour is only about 8–9 km long but very steep, so that the round trip of park gate to the Longonot Peak and back to the park gate takes around 5 hrs hiking. The gate is around 2150 m asl and the peak at 2780 m asl but following the jagged rim involves substantially more than the 630 m vertical difference. Once at the top one is awed by the stunning views of the surrounding African plains, Lake Naivasha and the volcano’s caldera.
Hikers enjoy breathtaking scenery during their adventure for instance on a hike of mount Kenya they are treated to spectacular views of both flora and fauna including the giant rosette, forests, bamboo, heath land and chaparral, giant groundsels and giant lobelias and glaciers, all of which are found at different zones within the mountain.
Animals spotted here include hyrax and common duiker, groove-toothed rat, various species of monkeys, several antelopes, tree hyrax, porcupines and some larger animals such as elephant and buffalo living in the forest; predators such as hyena and leopard, and occasionally lion. Birds can also be spotted including sunbirds, alpine chats, starlings, the Auger buzzard, Lammergeier and Verreaux eagle.
At mount Longonot you find a forest of small trees covers the crater floor, and small steam vents are found spaced around the walls of the crater. The mountain is home to various species of wildlife, notably zebra giraffe, buffaloes and hartebeest. Leopards have also been reported but are extremely difficult to spot.
During hikes in Kenya, hikers are asked to observe certain rules which serve as benefit to both them and the environment. They include not littering and always ensure to take out more garbage than you brought in; always ensure to dig catholes 4 to 10 inches deep when disposing off human waste; always be informed about the habits and habitats of endangered species and always camp at the designated camp sites. The guides are always at hand and ready to educate you on such matters so it is only wise that you listen and take the advice from your guide.
Proper hiking gear and equipment is necessary. For hikes in Mount Kenya equipment can be hired at Naromoru gate, while for Mount Longonot and other hiking destination that do not require an overnight stay one is to carry the necessary hiking gear.
The gear includes: Sleeping bag, Tent more specifically freestanding and small to fit in among the rocks and boulders; Rain gear including both pants and jacket; Headlamps; Trekking shoes or hiking boots; Proper clothing in 3 layers i.e. one underlayer of warm wicking fabric, and two insulating layers such as a warm shirt and a fleece jacket; balaclava, hiking socks and gloves are also necessary; Compass; Sunglasses; Water purifier; Hiking sticks or trekking poles; Sleeping pad; First aid kit, Sun hat, Bug repellent, Pots and eating utensils, and anything else your deem important to you when hiking.
On hike in Kenya’s high mountains services of qualified guides, cooks and porters are necessary as they help make your hike easier and enjoyable. The guide is very helpful by pointing out the interesting things in the surrounding whilst advising you on the dos and don’ts.
Porters help carry your heavy luggage affording you the opportunity to really enjoy the scenery which you would have otherwise not hand you being carrying a heavy luggage; cooks take it upon themselves to ensure the task of making a fire, cooking delicious meals and cleaning lies solely on them. The services of this three generally include provision of camping equipment such as tents, stoves, and sleeping gear.
Whether on a one day hike or more you can be rest assured that you will have an unforgettable time or possibly the adventure of a life time as Kenya is a land of intrigue and diversity and never lacks to thrill adventure seekers.
Contact us for all your hiking plans in Kenya. Enjoy your tour at Kenyan attractions
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Hiking up Mount Kenya or Kilimanjaro is a massive accomplishment and gives you a great sense of reward when complete. The views from the top are also always worth the time spent climbing the mountain.