Mackinders Day Hike – Mt. Kenya

In your quest for Mt. Kenya, Mackinders hike gives the closest experience. Lying at 4300m ASL, Mackinders Summit has a 595m elevation difference with point Lenana, our ultimate goal for these preparatory hikes. The hike starts at Met Station at 3048m ASL and moves through a thicket region before you begin the trail on the Moorland region.

You will experience beautiful views of the surrounding from a high elevation and the Batian Peak as you approach Teleki Valley. The altitude at Teleki Valley is tough. However, the experience at this zone when approaching the summit is incomparable. While it gets tiresome, your desire for conquest will push you to the Mackinders Camp, the summit. 

Mackinders Hike will get you close to the real experience when ascending the Chogoria trail to point Lenana. If you are not yet on the Mt. Kenya budget and want to experience it, Mackinders hike is also the best place.

Approximate distance: 20km

Approximate time: 9 hrs

Difficulty: Hard

What to Wear and Carry During Mackinders Day Hike:

• 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.
• A set of clothes to change into after the hike.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Hiking pole.

Charges:

• Citizens/residents- Kes.4200
• Non-residents- $75
• Self-drive- Kes.2500

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 card you already hold.

What is included:

• Transport to the trail and back.
• Park entry charges for citizens and residents.
• Professional and friendly guides.
• Assorted fruits

N/B: Our package excludes anything else not mentioned above.

Booking Mackinders Day Hike:

Book by paying at least Kes.2500 to M-Pesa Buy Goods Till number 9754473 (Hikers Arena Limited) and clear the balance on Friday, July 21, 2023.

Note: Booking closes on Thursday, July 20, 2023. BOOK EARLY!

Itinerary:

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

• 4.15 am: Boarding opens
• 4.30 am: Departure for Naromoru
• 8.00 am: Arrival at Met Station
• 5.00 pm: Departure for Nairobi

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

Observing 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, we provide an extra liter of water to refill your valves, fruits, and glucose as part of the package. The fruits are clean but you should wash your hands and the fruits too to observe hygiene. Your health is paramount.

We value you and welcome you to the Arena. See you on the trails.

Readiness Checklist for Mackinders Day Hike:

• ✅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 one week before the event: 100% refund.
• At least 72hrs to the event: 50% refund.
• Less than 72hrs 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.