Maratini Upsweep is another resilience chase in the northern Aberdares, where tales of conquests and resilience are first built. Why would you always want to do the common and not go the extra mile to challenge your resilience? In the vast landscapes of the Nothern Aberdare are many hills, such as the popular, Rurimeria, Seven Ponds, and Table Mountain. After exploring these peaks for long, and in the spirit of exploration and breaking the monotony, the past few hikes have seen the addition of a layer or a valley towards the location we call the summit. With most untamed, our adventurous spirit and the guidance of an experienced team have helped hikers navigate the untamed parts and cut through the moorlands to newer and livelier destinations.

To the southeast of Rurimeria Hill lies Maratini Hill, approximately 4km from Rurimeria Hill, where you are about to create another tale of resilience and change your perspective of your physical and mental limits.

The hike starts at Geta Shopping Center and quickly leads us to the forest gate before hitting a notoriously steep ascent to the first steep peak of Rurimeria. Thinking we are at the top, we will face another steep yet much gentler peak before we face a final peak to start the moorlands. The moorlands will be one sign of peace since the summit is at the moorland zone. The rest of the journey will be through gentle hills and valleys towards Rurimeria summit and beside it across to the ridges of Nyeri, where Maratini rests.

Maratini Upsweep Stats

Approximate distance: 26km

Approximate time: 10 hrs

Maximum Elevation: 3699m

Difficulty: Hard

What to Wear During the Maratini 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. Raincoat/Poncho
5. Sunscreen.

In the Maratini Upsweep Backpack, Have

At least 2 liters of water (use a water bladder or a reusable bottle). Disposable plastic bottles are not allowed inside parks.

1. Snacks such as biscuits, nuts, fruits, crisps, etc.
2. A valid identification document.
3. A hiking pole.
4. 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; you might also want to change after sweating).

Ticket

• East Africa Community Citizens/Kenyan Residents (EA)- Kes. 4200
• Rest of Africa Citizens (RA)- Kes. 7920
• International Visitors (IV)- Kes.12120

Definitions

• East African (EA) Citizen: A native East African country (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, with valid documentation from the Kenyan government.
• Rest of Africa Citizens (RA): A national of African countries other than East African countries with a valid passport.
• International Visitors (IV): Hikers other than those from EAC and the rest of African countries.

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

What the Ticket Includes

1. Transport to the trail and back.
2. Park entry/conservation charges.
3. Professional and friendly guides (armed rangers or local guides), ensuring at most eight people have one guide.
4. Assorted fruits to recharge.
5. Refill water. Carry a refillable bottle. Plastics are not allowed inside parks.
6. Skilled first aider within the team.
7. A trip souvenir to remember the place and its personal discoveries.

N/B: Our package excludes personal insurance, hiking gear, and anything else not mentioned above.

Booking Maratini Upsweep

Reserve a slot by paying at least Kes.2000 to M-Pesa Buy Goods Till number 9754473 (Hikers Arena Limited) and clear the balance before departure. Ticket Cancellation and refund policy applies.

Itinerary

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

• 3.15 am: Boarding opens
• 3.30 am: Departure for Geta Center
• 7.30 am: Arrival at Mikeu Center
• 8.00 am: Hike Starts
• 2.00 pm: Mandatory turn-back time
• 6.30 pm: Departure for Nairobi

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

Maintaining the Convenience for Everyone

Your ‘food’ could be the other person’s ‘poison’. Therefore;
🚫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 and fruits as part of the package. The fruits are clean, but you should also wash your hands and the fruits 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 through the day.
✅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 the 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

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 events and Hikers Arena Whatsapp Channel for important and regular hiking tips.