Seven Ponds Day Hike – Aberdares

A Short Story About This Trail

The Seven Ponds day hike at Aberdares explores the Northern Aberdare moorland region between the steep Table Mountain and Rurimeria. This hike shares a starting point with the Table Mountain Trail. It also shares the same vegetation at the lower starting region and the terrain. This trail is gently steep all along until the peak, where the summit is seen. At this point, it’s a horizontal stretch to the tarns. After the start, there is a viewpoint about 1.5km from the start. After this resting point, the vegetation changes and traverses through beautiful indigenous trees and rich flora in a more gentle trail to the base of the rocky region. The region has no protruding rocks like Table Mountain. It has a beautiful landscape of views below and above. However, you will spot perfect rocks for picture lovers until the base of the moorland. At this base, altitude effects could start creeping, being the perfect place to lower your pace further as you enjoy the moorland view. This trail has one of the richest moorlands with its sister Trail, Rurimeria, in Aberdares. The moorlands are beautiful, wide, rich shrubs growing in the temperate region. It is one of the solutions that one could reach when they slide, but beware of the shrub. It cuts like a razor blade. Trekking poles serve the best support when ascending and descending. The moorlands are the last vegetation to the summit, covering about 1.2km. The trail traverses seven scenic and sizeable tarns in the moorland zone, and it is from them that the trail derives its name. The hike is the perfect dash for altitude for anyone looking for a challenge or prepping for a climb up Mt Kenya. The notoriously steep ascent tests your endurance, but the breathtaking summit views make the experience unforgettable.

Approximate distance: 12km

Approximate time: 8 hrs

Difficulty: Gently Tough

This time, we will take up to Rhino Peak, a newly explored and an additional 3km from Seven Ponds Summit. This additional distance is for the explorer in you and a search for a bigger challenge. We do not limit the hiker in you. Whether you get to Seven Ponds, Rhino, or along the trail, we will be with you to ensure you have the best experience. In fact, the experience and thrill is always on the trail.

Approximate total distance: 18km

Approximate time: 10 hrs

Total difficulty: Tough

What to Wear and Carry During Seven Ponds 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 (C)/residents (R)- Kes.3400
  • Non-residents (NR)- $70
  • Self-drive C/R- Kes.2000

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 guides.
  • Assorted fruits
  • N/B: Our package excludes anything else not mentioned above.

Booking Seven Ponds Day Hike:

Book by paying at least Kes.2000 to M-Pesa Buy Goods Till number 9754473 (Hikers Arena Limited) and clear the balance on Friday, October 13, 2023.

Note: Booking closes on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. BOOK EARLY!

Itinerary:

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

  • 4.15 am: Boarding opens
  • 4.30 am: Departure for Mikeu Center
  • 8.20 am: Arrival at Mikeu Center
  • 8.30 am: Hike starts
  • 6.00 pm: Departure for Nairobi

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

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 prohibited 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 still to observe hygiene. Your health is paramount.

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

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.

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.

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 72 hours to the event: 50% refund.
  • Less than 72 hours to the event: No refund.
  • No shows: No refund.

Postponement Policy:

If you decide to postpone your ticket, please notify us at the latest 48 hours before the event. We will carry your ticket to another event. Postponement tickets attract an 8% charge if they must be refunded in the future.

Note: Postponement terms differ from prepayment terms. Prepayment is a loyalty strategy; the ticket fee prepaid in excess is refundable at the end of the calendar at no charge.

Inquiries and Updates;

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

Date

Oct 14 2023
Expired!

Time

The departure time is subject to the day's team and could be earlier or later than estimated.
All Day

Cost

KES 3,400.00

Location

Mikeu
Geta

Organizer

Hikers Arena
Website
www.hikersarena.co.ke

Next Event

  • Rurimeria Upsweep
  • Date
    Apr 06 2024
  • Time
    The departure time is subject to the day's team and could be earlier or later than estimated.
    All Day

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