Mount Kenya Mackinders Ascent will be an ultimate summit attempt to hit Mount Kenya’s third-highest peak (Peak Lenana). It is a scenic hike, especially near Mackinders Camp, where the team will camp that night. From an elevation of 1795m at Nairobi, the first day will see the team make an elevation of 2505m, 1253 by car, and 1252 on the hiking trail. The team will then camp and wake up to another elevation gain of 685m to point Lenana at 4985m, the summit. From this point, it will be not just the views of the snow. There will also be scenic surroundings, beautiful lakes and tarns, rocks, and peaks, not forgetting the just below Lewis Glacier.

Approximate distance: 29km

Approximate time: 2 Days

Difficulty: Tough

Necessary Hiking Gear During Mount Kenya Mackinders Ascent:

• Poncho/raincoat
• Fleece jacket
• T-shirt
• Balaclava
• Cap/hat
• Gloves (Waterproof with fleece recommended)
• Thermal top & bottom
• Gaiters
• Socks thin/thick
• Sandals
• Trousers/summit pants
• Head torch
• Porter’s bag
• Toiletries
• Sleeping bag
• More in the following section
• Download the gear checklist Here

What to Wear and Carry During Mount Kenya Mackinders Ascent:

• Fleece Marvin/hat or a baseball cap
• Proper hiking clothes (polyester t-shirt, hiking pants, fleece jacket)
• Raincoat/poncho
• Comfortable hiking boots (should be one size bigger than your standard shoe size)
• Sunscreen

In your backpack:

• Snacks such as biscuits, nuts, fruits, crisps, etc.
• At least 2 liters of water (use a water bladder or a reusable bottle). Disposable plastic bottles are not allowed inside parks.
• Valid identification document.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Hiking pole

Charges:

• Citizens/residents- Kes.21000
• Non-residents- USD390
• Self-drive Citizen/residents- Kes.17000
• Self-drive non-residents- USD360

Definitions:

• East African (EA) Citizen: A native East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo) with valid identification documents or passport.
• Kenyan Resident: A person of another nationality residing in Kenya, and has a valid documentation from the Kenyan government.

N/B: The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) recognizes the three categories using Identity Cards (IDs) and identification documents issued by a government. Ensure you identify yourself with the document you already hold.

What is included:

• Transport to the trail and back.
• Park entry charges for citizens and residents.
• Professional and friendly cooks, porters, and guides.
• Accommodation
• First aid
• Ground Rescue
• N/B: Our package excludes anything else not mentioned above.

Booking Mount Kenya Mackinders Ascent:

Book by paying at least Kes.10,000 to M-Pesa Buy Goods Till number 9754473 (Hikers Arena Limited 1) by August 10, and clear the balance on Tuesday, August 15, 2023.

Note: Booking closes on Tuesday, August 15, 2023. BOOK EARLY!

Itinerary:

Meeting point: Opposite International House Kencom (Nairobi CBD).

Saturday, August 19:

• 4.15 am: Boarding opens
• 5.00 am: Departure for Mount Kenya Naro Moru gate
• 9.00 am: Arrival at Met Station
• 9.30 am: Mackinders Camp trek Begins
• 4.00 p.m: Arrival at Mackinders Camp, meals resting, briefing, sleeping

Sunday, August 20:

• 2.15 am: wake up, light breakfast
• 3.00 am: Summit attempt starts
• 7.00 am: Arrival at Point Lenana
• 7.20 am: Start the Descent to Mackinders Camp
• 10.00 am: Hefty breakfast at the camping site, short rest for energy synthesis
• 11.00 am: Start the Descent to Met Station
• 4.00 p.m: Departure for Nairobi

N/B: The departure time is subject to the day’s team and could be earlier or later than estimated.

Convenience for Everyone:

Your food could be the other person’s poison.
🚫If you like music while hiking, carry earphones or headphones to listen at your volume and convenience.
🚫Smoking, alcohol, and other non-prescribed drugs are not allowed during the hike.
✅While we have a list of what is needed above, safety begins with you. Assess and Feel yourself, and Communicate with us. Your health is paramount.

We value you and welcome you to the Arena. See you on the trails. Let’s attempt and achieve this!

Readiness Checklist:

✅Wear your boot, especially if you have not for a while, and ascertain that it is still comfortable.
✅Take no vigorous or no exercises later than 2 days before the hike to reserve energy to carry you up the ascent.
✅Hydrate beyond often starting 3 days until the end of the hike.
✅Cut your toenails short for comfort in socks and the boot. When descending, you create a stronger grip, whose effect lasts on the toes. Doing this will make your experience more comfortable and memorable.
✅Ensure you stock your supplies the day before the hike so we stop only for emergencies.
✅Empty your bowels before leaving in the morning.

Cancellation and Refund Policy:

If, for any reason, you decide to cancel the ticket, the following applies;

• At least two weeks before the event: 100% refund.
• At least one week to the event: 50% refund.
• Less than a week to the event: No refund.
• No shows: No refund.

Inquiries and Updates;

For inquiries and updates, click here. We also recommend you join the Hikers Arena hiking community WhatsApp group to keep up to date with our activities and upcoming events.

After Hike

• Engage in post-hike stretching exercises to improve flexibility and prevent muscle tightness. Focus on stretching major muscle groups such as the calves, quadriceps, hamstrings, and hips. Hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds without bouncing.
• Replenish fluids lost during the hike by drinking plenty of water. Proper hydration is essential for muscle recovery and overall well-being. Consider consuming a sports drink or electrolyte-rich fluids to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat.
• Consume a balanced meal or snack within a few hours after your hike. Include protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to aid muscle recovery and replenish energy stores. Foods like lean meats, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts are good options.
• If you experience muscle soreness or inflammation, apply ice or cold therapy methods such as cold packs or ice baths to reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort.
• Ensure adequate sleep supports your body’s recovery process. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Good sleep is crucial for repairing and rejuvenating your muscles.
• Allow your body sufficient time to rest and recover after a hike. Take it easy for the next couple of days and avoid overexertion. Proper rest is essential for repairing muscles and preventing injury.
• Consider getting a massage or using self-massage techniques like foam rolling to relieve muscle tension and improve circulation. Massage can help reduce muscle soreness and promote faster recovery.