Mackinders Upsweep

Mackinders Upsweep gives the closest experience in your quest for Mt. Kenya. The hike starts at Met Station at 3048m ASL and moves through a thicket region before you hit the Moorlands. After you start the open moorlands, there is a boggy section as you climb to the clearing, where you see the peaks of Mount Kenya. This section is so friendly, unlike the bogs at Dragon’s Teeth, since this one is so passable and easy to navigate. Past this section, the peak of Mount Kenya is visible, and the moorlands become rich, making them more attractive as you approach the Teleki Valley. Teleki Valley has beautiful vegetation and no steep sections as you cross to the other side of the valley where the Mackinders Camp is located. However, it is a hub of altitude. Coping measures, such as reduced pace and resting when needed if symptoms such as lightheadedness, headache, or blurring vision, are handy to beat the remaining short distance.

The experience at Teleki Valley when approaching the summit is incomparable. While it gets tiresome, your desire for conquest will push you to the Mackinders Camp, the summit. The last stretch is after you cross the river. In this section, you understand that you are close to the summit and have the encouragement to get you there.  This is the last marshy section on this trail and within no moments, you will be at the camp, all fulfilled and glad you made it. If you are not yet on the Mt. Kenya budget and want to experience it, Mackinders Upsweep is also the best place.

Mackinders Upsweep Stats

Approximate distance: 20km

Approximate time: 10 hrs

Difficulty: Tough

What to Wear During the Mackinders Upsweep

1. Fleece Marvin/hat or a baseball cap.
2. Proper hiking clothes (polyester t-shirt, wind jacket, hiking pants, fleece jacket).
3. Comfortable hiking boots (should be at least one size bigger than your standard shoe size).
4. Sunscreen.

In the Mackinders Upsweep Backpack, Have

1. At least 2 liters of water (use a water bladder or a reusable bottle). Disposable plastic bottles are not allowed inside parks.
2. Snacks such as biscuits, nuts, fruits, crisps, etc.
3. A hiking pole.
4. Hand gloves.
5. A raincoat/poncho.

It is Also Advisable to Have

1. A set of clothes to change into after the hike (sometimes, the good hiking gear also fails, and weather changes are unexpected).

See more details on how to prepare for this hike and the steps to take after the hike to ease the after-hike effects here.

Ticket

• East Africa Community Citizens/Kenyan Residents (EA)- Kes. 4200
• Rest of Africa Citizens (RA)- Kes. 8100
• International Visitors (IV)- Kes.12300

See what the tickets mean and what they include here.

Booking Mackinders Upsweep

Reserve a slot by paying at least Kes.2500 using Mpesa and clear the balance before departure. Hikers Arena ticket Cancellation and refund policy applies.

• Paybill No: 522533
• Account No: 7848929

Trip Itinerary

Meeting point: Kencom, Nairobi CBD (Opposite the city clock).

• 3.30 am: Boarding opens
• 3.45 am: Departure for Mount Kenya Naro Moru Gate (The departure time is strict)
• 7.00 am: Arrival at Mount Kenya Naro Moru Gate & Registrations
• 7.45 am: Hike starts
• 2.00 pm: Turn-back time
• 6.30 pm: Departure for Nairobi

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

Inquiries and Updates

For inquiries and updates, click here. We also recommend you join the Hikers Arena Community Whatsapp group (Click here to join) to keep up to date with our activities and upcoming events.