Trail Narration

This is the best-labeled trail in the Aberdares. From the gate you will come across the posts marking the Trail Start, Bamboo Gate, Desperado, The Tail and finally, the summit. Each of these mark a change in either the terrain, vegetation or climatic zone.

From the Forest Gate to the Bamboo Gate is a relatively small slope covered in 5km. Some parts are slippery because of the nature of the soil so it is best that you watch your step. This is an easy 5km, half of the distance you will cover in your ascent. But do not be fooled, the other half is probable to be one of the most difficult things you will have done in your life.

The starting point marker is about halfway between the forest gate and the Bamboo gate. Officially vehicles are supposed to drive to this point but traditionally hikers start hiking from the gate. We Are debating whether to use the car for this section to save time, to increase the chances of summiting, and to reduce chances of fatigue and injury.

The Bamboo gate, as you may deduce from the name, is the point where you exit the rain forest and get into the bamboo forest. The slope increases rapidly at this point. The forest floor is covered by mud and chances are that we will all slip once or twice, so don’t worry if it happens to you.

After the gruesome Bamboo forest section, you will reach Desperado (a point of despair). Do not let the name deceive you, you will be done with the worst part. The remaining slopes are way easier to handle and the distance is short. Besides, the views at this point make you think they should call it a point of empowerment instead. At this point you will notice a big shift in temperature; it will be time to layer up.

Shortly after that is the tail. The vegetation changes again between Desperado and the Tail from bamboo forest to heath and moorland. There is not much to this point except that from here the slope to the summit is even less than that of the first section. In addition, there is a little-known camp here, where most people camp on their way to or from Kinangop.

Finally, the climax: The Summit. If all is well, this is where we will have our lunch on the event date.

1. we will have breaks. The points  referenced above are perfect for breaks: you can have a snack and some water, take photos, layer up or down and soak in the views. we recommend at most 15 minute breaks at these points, no more. Since our pace on the mountain varies a lot, we will hike as a  group. When you depart from break, make sure you are in the company of a guide or a few good hikers.

Other things to watch out for are: the 2018 plane crash site, caves on the cliff upon which the summit sits, tens of valleys, peaks and tables, spanish-tree beards, and stories of beauty and tragedy everywhere. It goes without saying that all these terrains and forests offer a lot of aesthetic value. Make sure to enjoy it all.