Ultimate Guide For Trekking And Hiking In Kenya
Ultimate Guide For Trekking And Hiking In Kenya : Kenya is home to a wide variety of amazing hiking trails, from rocky, volcanic to steep, mountainous terrains. They feature various topographies and difficulty levels. Because of Kenya’s varied terrain, you will constantly be surrounded by stunning sights. From beautiful open savanna plains to summits of jagged peaks and craggy mountains, adventures await on every climb, scramble, and stroll.
Hiking is a fantastic outdoor activity. Even though hiking is one of the most enjoyable activities, beginners may find it overwhelming and stressful. It is not Kenya’s most relaxing pastime. If you don’t have the necessary skills, gear, or confidence, hiking might also be unpleasant and demanding. Don’t worry; a fellow newbie has provided some beginner hiking advice. You can hike more easily and learn everything you need to know with the help of the bellow advices.
WHY SHOULD YOU GO?
People have a special opportunity to exercise when they go hiking. You can disconnect from the stresses of daily life so that you can observe and connect with nature. In recent years, Kenyans have shown a strong interest in hiking, trekking, and exploring.
The busiest times for them to travel are weekends and holidays. Travel agencies that offer inexpensive weekend packages with hiking and sightseeing indicate that domestic tourism is increasing.
HERE IS THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR TREKKING AND HIKING IN KENYA.
Hiking Trails for Beginners
Before choosing a hiking route, be completely honest with yourself about your level of fitness and experience. It’s acceptable to push yourself, but keep in mind that doing so could be detrimental to your health. Additionally, it will be a bad experience, and you run the risk of losing interest in trekking. If you’ve never gone hiking before, start on the easier trails and work your way up. Go at your own pace if you choose to hike a more difficult path. Choose a hike Based on your level of fitness.
Starting with long hikes like those at Karura Forest, Oloolua Nature Trail, and Haller Park in Mombasa and gradually moving on to hikes suitable for beginners like those at Thigio, Nachu Caves, Kabete, Gikuni Caves, KeFRI, Buxton Tunnel, Tigoni, and Hell’s Kitchen Marafa in Malindi. Start off with reasonably flat paths that have few or no steep inclines.
Weather
It is essential to monitor the weather before making travel plans. Keep in mind that weather can change suddenly, particularly in the Highlands. Rain or extremely hot weather will have an impact on your trip. Make sure to ask your guide about the weather before you leave.
If you’re going hiking on a hot day, wear sunscreen. To avoid hiking during the sweltering noontime sun, begin your journey early in the morning. In Kenya, many hiking trails are a little sheltered, so you’ll probably be walking directly into the sun.
Difficulty
The majority of the routes are simple, such as strolls through nature preserves and park trails (Karura Forest, Nairobi Arboretum, and Ngong Hills). Others are challenging, such as the Kakamega Forest, Mt. Elgon, and the Zaina Forest Trail. One of the world’s most hazardous and taxing hikes is up Mount Kenya.
Only experienced hikers should use this trail, and visitors should bring their guides and gear. It is challenging because of the terrain, the long distance, the low temperatures, and the thin air brought on by elevation changes. It is advised that people work out a few weeks prior to the climb to get their bodies ready for it. The Kakamega Forest hiking trail is perfect for beginners because it is not too difficult or winding.
The Environment
Kenya is a very diverse nation with a variety of landscapes. Mountains tend to be steeper, but parks and nature trails are typically flatter and easier to navigate. There are also craters that have a flat top and steep sides.
The terrain, soil, and types of flora all have an impact on how difficult a hike will be. Numerous moorland areas and small summits with breathtaking views can be found on Mount Elgon. On the mountain, you can find geothermal springs, caves, and forests. Hikers can choose a trail and an itinerary with the help of numerous local guides.
What to Wear
Comfort is key when choosing clothing for hiking. Don’t wear jeans! Additionally, layering is essential because it enables you to take off certain items in hot weather and put them back on in cold weather.
In warm weather, put on light, breathable clothing that dries quickly. Remember to wear a hat or cap. Tank tops and shorts are also acceptable, but you should wear long-sleeved tops and long pants or leggings to protect yourself from the sun. Even better if you can acquire UV protection equipment. For day trips to hot spots, workout attire will do.
Food and snacks to bring for a day hike
The meals and snacks you bring should be high in protein and fat since you will be burning calories while on the trip. Before the climb, you can eat oatmeal, yogurt, and/or eggs for breakfast. Good snacks include granola, nuts (like peanuts), fruits (like apples, bananas, oranges, and tangerines), and protein or energy bars.
Consuming salty snacks and drinking lots of water are essential to replenishing the electrolytes lost through sweat while trekking in the heat. Water is a necessity, so bring at least 3 liters with you. Do not bring single-use plastic bottles or containers, and do not leave them on the trails if you do.
Self-care
Walk at your own pace. Do not be alarmed by faster hikers if you are a slow hiker. Make sure you stay in your lane. Pay close attention to your body, and pause when necessary.
Take a moment to pause and enjoy the scenery, wildlife, and flowers. Enjoy every moment you can because you don’t get to be in nature very often (unless you live in such areas). Be in the moment, breathe in the crisp, clean air, and savor the tranquility and stillness of nature.
When Is The Best Time To Visit?
There are distinct climbing seasons for various trails. On the other hand, Mt. Kenya has a climbing season that lasts from July to October. Kenya experiences prolonged rainfall from March or April to May or June, then brief precipitation in October, November, and December. People stay away from hiking in the rainy season because the trails become slick and it gets chilly and cloudy.
