Tag: Day Hike

A Short Story About Table Mountain Hike

Table Mountain Hike in Aberdares is an exciting outdoor adventure that offers stunning views and a challenging trek through beautiful landscapes. This hike starts at Mikeu Shopping Center and takes a left turn past the Aberdares Forest gate to the base of Table Mountain. Here, you will cross a river and ascend a steep ascent to the leveled ground, where you have rock views ahead and a beautiful forest landscape behind. The next stretch is gentler, leading to another river crossing, then the start of rocks and a short and boggy section. Past this bog, the next section is floral, especially after fresh rains. After a few more steps, the Table Mountain Summit welcomes you.

The hike is approximately 12.5 kilometers; thus, it is a perfect day trip for adventure seekers. This hike is almost the same distance as the first preparatory hike, making it a perfect place to start steeper elevations.

Table Mountain Hike Stats

Approximate Distance: 12.5 Km

Approximate Time: 10 Hours

Highest Elevation: 3971m

Difficulty: Fairly Tough (Advancing Beginners)

What to Wear During the Table Mountain Hike

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 Table Mountain Hike 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. 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).

Ticket

• East Africa Community Citizens/Kenyan Residents (EA)- Kes. 4000
• Rest of Africa Citizens (RA)- Kes. 8210
• International Visitors (IV)- Kes.12920

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. Skilled first aider within the team.
6. 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 Table Mountain Hike

Reserve a slot by paying at least Kes.2000 to M-Pesa Buy Goods Till number 9754473 (Hikers Arena Limited) by 24th Jan and clear the balance before departure.

We would love to make it so flexible and bookable on the day before the hike, but we know it could ruin your experience since we may be unable to plan adequately for the hike day. Please book early.

Trip Itinerary

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

• 4.00 am: Boarding opens
• 4.15 am: Departure for Mikeu Shopping Center (The departure time is strict)
• 7.30 am: Arrival at Mikeu Shopping Center
• 8.00 am: Hike starts
• 2.00 pm: Turn-back time
• 6.00 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.

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 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 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

Cancellation and Refund Policy

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

• At least one week before the event: A 100% refund.
• At least 72 hours before the event: A refund of 50% of the booking fee and 100% of the excess fee.
• Less than 48 hours to the event: The booking deposit will not be refunded. 50% of the rest will be refunded.
• Less than 24 hours to the event: No Refund.
• No shows & latecomers: No refund.

Postponement Policy

If you decide to postpone your ticket, please notify us at the latest 72 hours before the event. We will carry your ticket to another event.

Inquiries and Updates

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

Mt Kipipiri Hike is located in Nyandarua County, Kenya, and is part of the Aberdare ranges ecosystem. The mountain has an elevation of 3360 meters above sea level and is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. It is part of the Aberdare National Park, which is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and buffalo. The park also features a variety of vegetation. The mountain and park are a popular destination for tourists and provide opportunities for activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing.

Mt Kipipiri hike involves going up gently over a distance of 13km on one side and descending sharply on the other side over a 4km distance.  Overall, hiking Mt Kipipiri is a rewarding and enjoyable experience that is suitable for anyone who loves the outdoors and is looking for a unique and memorable adventure.

Approximate distance: 17.5km

Approximate time: 7 hrs

Difficulty: Tough

What to Wear and Carry During Mt. Kipipiri 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.3800
• Non-residents- $80
• Self-drive- Kes.2500 (You must have a driver to take your car to the ending point. The starting point is not the same as ending point)

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 Mt. Kipipiri 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, July 7, 2023.

Note: Booking closes on Thursday, July 6, 2023. BOOK EARLY!

Itinerary:

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

• 4.15 am: Boarding opens
• 4.30 am: Departure for Geta Forest station
• 8.00 am: Arrival at Geta Forest station
• 8:20 am: Mt. Kipipiri hike starts
• 5.30 pm: Departure for Nairobi

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

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. 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.

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.

Mount Kinangop day trek is your true test for resilience on your journey to big mountains. Standing at 3906m ASL, Mount Kinangop is a stunning peak located in the Aberdare Range of Kenya, known for its challenging day hike that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and is the second tallest in the Aberdare Ranges. The hike begins at North Kinangop Forest Station and takes you through lush forests, a bamboo region, open moorlands, and rocky terrain, providing diverse experiences. The bamboo region is rich in green and nourished vegetation, and we should beware of the Urtica dioica (stinging nettle). When you near completing the Bamboo region, the trail gets steeper and slippery, and with the rainy season, there will be a muddy section before the ascent to the moorlands. The moorland is a heaven of views, with various aberdare peaks, such as Elephant Hill being visible, and the 12 Apostles as you near the Summit. At the summit, a very steep protruding rock leads to Mount Kinangop’s pinnacle. Going up this peak requires a self-meeting, balancing fear and enthusiasm, and being on all 4’s. Hitting the trek to the base of this peak will be summiting. However, we never discourage the hiker in you trying to test limits and view from higher up. If you can, we will go up this peak. The thrill starts when descending this peak. It requires more energy and care to get to the safer ground. The long trek to the car park gets even longer when you get to the Bamboo region, which seems not to end the more you descend. At that feeling, you are close to exiting the forest. At the end of the hike, you will congratulate yourself for managing 26km of a challenging trail.

Approximate distance: 27km

Approximate time: 11 hrs

Difficulty: Hard

What to Wear and Carry During Mount Kinangop Day Trek:

• 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.3500
• Non-residents (NR)- Kes.11700
• Self-drive C/R- Kes.2000

Definitions:

• East African (EA) Citizen: A native East African country (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo) with a valid identification document or passport.
• Kenyan Resident: A person of another nationality residing in Kenya with 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 the 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 Mount Kinangop Day Trek:

Book by paying at least Kes.2000 to M-Pesa Buy Goods Till number 9754473 (Hikers Arena Limited) and clear the balance on Friday, November 24, 2023.

Note: BOOK EARLY!

Itinerary:

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

• 3.45 am: Boarding opens
• 4.00 am: Departure for North Kinangop Forest station (The departure time is strict)
• 7.30 am: Arrival at North Kinangop Forest station
• 7.45 am: Hike starts
• 5.30 pm: Departure for Nairobi

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

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 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. 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.

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 and terrain in the lower starting region. 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.

Seven Ponds Day Hike Stats

Approximate Distance: 12Km

Approximate Time: 10 Hours

Maximum Elevation: 3831m (at the ponds)

Difficulty: Tough (Advancing Hikers)

What to Wear During the Seven Ponds Day Hike

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 Seven Ponds Day Hike 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. 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. 4000
• Rest of Africa Citizens (RA)- Kes. 7900
• International Visitors (IV)- Kes.12100

See what the tickets mean and what they include here.

Booking Seven Ponds Day Hike

Reserve a slot by paying at least Kes.2000 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).

• 4.00 am: Boarding opens
• 4.15 am: Departure for Mikeu Shopping Center (The departure time is strict)
• 7.30 am: Arrival at Mikeu Shopping Center
• 8.00 am: Hike starts
• 2.00 pm: Turn-back time
• 6.00 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.