MACKINDERS / TELEKI VALLEY DAY HIKE

MACKINDERS / TELEKI VALLEY DAY HIKE

Mackinder’s Camp is a prominent base camp for climbers and hikers on Mount Kenya, situated along the Sirimon-Chogoria route and named after Halford Mackinder, the first person to ascend Mount Kenya in 1899. The trail is relatively short, suitable for a day hike.

The 10 km Mackinder’s Hike begins at Met Camp (3,048m ASL). From Met Station, the trail becomes steeper and more rugged as it ascends. You will traverse the Teleki Valley, offering stunning views of unique flora like giant lobelias and groundsels. The trail can be muddy/boggy and slippery, especially during the wet season, so sturdy hiking boots are essential. It continues through the upper moorland adorned with lobelias and other montane vegetation, reaching the breathtaking Teleki Valley

At the head of the Teleki Valley is Mackinder’s Camp (Our summit for the day), situated at an elevation of 4,300m ASL. On clear days, Mackinder’s Camp provides panoramic views of Mount Kenya’s peaks, including Point John, Nelion Peak, and Batian (Kenya’s highest point). Enjoy the scenery, capture the essence of the moment, have a snack, and connect with fellow trail enthusiasts.

Afterward, we will return on the same trail to Met Station, ready for our journey back to Nairobi. This hike requires preparation for significant altitude gain, both mentally and physically.

MACKINDERS HIKE 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐒

• Distance: 20km
• Maximum Elevation: 4,300m
• Maximum Elevation Gain: 1252m
• Duration: 7-10 hours
• Difficulty: Tough
• Beginner-friendly: No
• Child-friendly: No

𝐂𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄

• Cozy transport to and from.
• Park entrance and guide fee.
• Access to professional workout/aerobics instructor
• Professional Photographer
• Bottled drinking water

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐘

• National ID Card/Valid Passport
• Comfortable hiking shoes/Sports shoes. Sunglasses/sunscreen
• Snacks
• Re-usable water bottles
• Personal Medication (If applicable)
• Rain gears
• Changing Clothes after the hike

𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐓𝐎 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐈𝐊𝐄

• Get moving with active cardio exercises like aerobics, walking, running, cycling, and swimming during the week leading up to the event.
• Designate the day before the hike for some well-deserved rest—give your body a break from intense exercises.
• Amp up your hydration game at least two days before hitting the trail.
• Make sure to prioritize a good night’s sleep before the hike.
• Boost your energy reserves by upping your carbohydrate intake two days prior. If you’re into intermittent fasting or on a diet, take a one-day break around the hike.
• Trim those toenails—your feet will thank you later!
• Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at least three hours before the event. This ensures your body has time to digest, providing the energy you need without making your stomach feel too full.
• Take a pre-hike bathroom break at home to minimize pit stops during your journey.
• Prepare your mindset for self-conquest. Remember, hiking is 90% mental, 10% physical prep. Once you conquer your mind, the rest is a breeze. You’ve got this!

𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐘

• 3:30 a.m Departure CBD opposite international House
• 06:30 m Arrival at Mt Kenya Narumoro  gate
• 07:00 a.m Hike Starts
• 2:00 p.m Mandatory turn back time to avoid encounter with wild animals at night
• 05:00 p.m Departure for Nairobi

N/B Boarding starts 10 minutes before the departure time

𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐘

All reservations must be confirmed three days prior to the scheduled hiking day.

Should you cancel 72 hours before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund or the option to transfer your reservation to a future hike.

Cancellation within 48 to 71 hours before your scheduled trip departure incurs a 50% fee, resulting in a 50% refund.

For cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled trip departure, no refund will be provided.

No-shows and latecomers are accountable for 100% of the trip fees.

𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄 𝐈𝐒 𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐍 𝐇𝐈𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐓𝐒