Table Mountain to Rurimeria Traverse: A Journey through Peaks and Valleys

Weekends have become synonymous with hiking, offering mountaineers and nature enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to immerse themselves in the great outdoors. On 9th Mar 2024 , we embarked on a daring challenge to conquer three summits in one go.

Our journey commenced at 4:00 AM from CBD, opposite International House, where we gathered before departing from Mikeu Shopping Center, our designated starting point. As we embarked on our adventure, 90% of the hikers took advantage of the 3-hour drive to rest and prepare for the challenges ahead, ensuring they were equipped with all types of gear.

After receiving a briefing from the Team leader, we embarked on our 23km hike with the ambitious goal of conquering three summits within a timeframe of under 10 hours: Table Mountain, 7 Ponds, and  Rurimeria. Each step forward was met with anticipation and excitement as we approached our targets.

The Table Mountain trail is both beloved and dreaded by mountaineers alike. Conversations with fellow enthusiasts often oscillate between tales of the exhilarating ascent during dry seasons, with its breathtaking views, and the arduous struggle up the initial steep kilometers, especially on rainy days. Fortunately, the weather favored us this time, with moderate temperatures and no rain.

The trail is well-marked, and with a guide, navigation to the summit is straightforward. Altitude effects was on of the major struggles for the day  us as we ascended. Adopting a moderate pace and staying hydrated proved essential in alleviating these effects. During a conversation with a hiking partner, he narrated that his primary motivation for hiking is the thundering of the heart , you know that feeling where the heart feels like a jack hammer in the chest, it makes him feel so alive in the middle of forest .What about you? Why do you hike? As for me, hiking offers a myriad of reasons to keep coming back. The sense of accomplishment when conquering new heights, the tranquility found in nature’s embrace, and the opportunity to disconnect from the chaos of daily life. It’s a chance to recharge both body and soul, leaving me refreshed and invigorated with each step forward.

By 11:30 am, the last members of our team reached the summit of Table Mountain, relishing the panoramic views and celebrating having covered approximately 6.5 kilometers. From there, we veered right and traversed across the moorlands towards the summit of 7 Ponds, a distance of around 3 kilometers. After capturing some memorable photos, we continued our journey through the moorlands.

Upon reaching the summit of 7 Ponds, we changed direction, heading towards the summit of Rurimeria. Initially, the terrain was relatively flat, but as we approached Rurimeria’s summit, it became steep and challenging. Exhaustion set in for many of us, compounded by the dizzying effects of trekking at altitudes exceeding 3800 meters above sea level. Nevertheless, our steadfast guides from Cushy Adventures Community, remained a beacon of motivation, urging us onward.

Silence enveloped our determined team as we pressed on towards the summit of Rurimeria. By 2 pm, we had all conquered the peak, reveling in the awe-inspiring views it offered. However, our triumphant moment was accompanied by unexpected cold showers, a reminder of the unpredictable mountain weather.

Descending through Rurimeria proved to be no easy task, with steep and rocky terrain demanding utmost caution with each step. Despite the challenges, we successfully completed our descent by 6:30 pm, ten hours after we began. We came, we saw, and we conquered.

Join us every weekend as we embark on adventures to conquer your dream mountains.

By Irene Nyambura