About two years our adventure team of Gitonga Wandai and Kyalo Munyao accompanied by Peter Muia Kenya’s leading Ultra Runner conceived an plan to run up Mount Kenya’s Point Lenana (4985m) in a single push starting at Chogoria Gate (2950m)
The month of May 2019, the team ran in Karura Forest in Nairabi, Ngong Hills in Kajiado County and in Elephant Hill Aberdares in Nyandarua County.
And on 1st June 2019 on Madaraka Day celebrations in Kenya we stood free and happy at Point Lenana 5 hours and 33 minutes after departing Chogoria gate.
This is inspired to put together a sort of training plan gear to help more – run or fast walk up Mount Kenya in single day in what has come to be famously known as Mount Kenya Dash.
What is trail running?
Trail running was something that we have always felt would a great sport that would help us enjoy more of the magical outdoor spaces we have in Kenya.
Trail running is simply running in wild spaces.. it could be a forest.. or the savannah plains or the the mountains. The terrain may be well marked as the case of Karura Forest or well trodden path as Ngong Hills. It could be a steep ascent of nearly 1000m like running up the Aberdares or Mount Kenya.
The run may be as short as 5km run or a long ultra over constantly changing terrains.
Hikemaniak promise is to always go beyond and evolve as the way we interact with mountain changes- we are ready to experience that change with you. In the past we have gone beyond an enriched trail with awesome experiences such as bungee and Water Rafting in Sagana, Abseiling in Kijabe and Nthenge Njeru Waterfalls (Read more here), Rock Climbing in Hells Gate among others
Who can run the trails?
This is a sport for everyone.. as mentioned earlier the run can be as short as 5km. Just pace yourself and depending on the terrain you can decide to slow walk, use hiking poles to improve your traction and balance in the rugged terrains.. its a sport truly designed for the free.
How to pick a trail to run?
Take on a trail you have been to before hiking, this will help you make more informed decision on how long you want to run, what items you need basically, this will help you plan and pick the necessary gear and mental preparedness for the run
Below we sample a few trails that we run and use as preps for the big Mountain Runs;
Karura Forest
Probably the best place to start your trail running journey, The trails are well defined and the elevation gain is minimal. A few rugged spaces and minor inclines will give a bit of experience running un-even grounds.
The forest environment will awe you and cheer you and on top help with oxygen loading ideal especially you are heading into the high mountains. The forest environment will awe you and cheer you and on top help with oxygen loading ideal especially you are heading into the high mountains
Ngong Hills
Starting on either gates from Kina Baridi on the Kiserian Side or from main Gate on the Ngong Hills town. The hill of seven hills is perfect challenge to start your trail running journey.
The one way journey is about 12km and you can decide to a reverse run if you still feel energetic . The trail head on either side is approximately 35km from Nairobi and can be accessed even on public means. Make sure to have company the trails at times have been reported be insecure.
Elephant Hills
Only an hour and half from Nairobi and one of the most popular hiking destination in Kenya, Elephant Hill is one of the best prep trail run for the speed hikes up mount Kenya or Kilimanjaro. Access the trail from Njabini Gate the trail is fairly gradual until you enter the dreaded Bamboo section at 5km point until you exit it at 6.5km at Point Desperado.
The trail remains steep even as the mountain vegetation changes to heather reaching the Tail at 8km. From here a few up and down gain and loosing minimal elevation.
At the tail you have a good view of the peak and for an experienced runner this a 15min max stroll to the peak. If you are just beginning this may take about 20-25minutes depending on how you are handling the altitude change.
Either way enjoy the moment and the moment- beautiful views of Mount Kinangop and Mount Kenya on a clear day awaits at the summit. From here is all down hill with minimal elevation back to the gate.
The trail head is approximately 90km from Nairobi
Elevation Gain; 1,120m
Distance: 18km
Terrain; rocky… slippery in the bamboo section- moss covered in other sections
Mount Kenya- Sirimon -Sirimon
To avoid the tarmac section on this trail most people will drive up to Old Moses Camp to avoid this unexciting section.
From here the round trip distance is about 34 km, The is one the most accessible routes up Mount Kenya and you are bound to meet other outdoor enthusiast hiking up or down. The Likki and Mackinders Valley form the great part of the trail. Likki Valley will get you loosing and gaining some significant elevation which in normal hiking you may not feel but when running at this altitude may become quite a challenge. At the the view point point which is arguably the mid point between Old Moses Camp and Shipton’s Camp are bolders that give you an excellent view of Mackinder’s Valley and the main peaks. The trails level up after the caves at 8km from Old Moses Camp gaining altitude gradually till Wamururu as you near Shiptons Camp. From Shipton’s Camp it 3km to Point Lenana.
The elevation; Appox: 2500m
Mount Kenya ; Chogoria Classic -Sirimon
This is our favorite and signature trail up Mount Kenya. Starting at Chogoria gate the trail weaves through the moorland with views of Mugi Hill blessing the start of your adventure. At Road End Camp take the back of the Gorges Vally walking on the ridge giving awesome views of the Gorge below on one side and Hindes valley on the other.
Higher up at one of the water stops views of Vivian Waterfall as it thunders down from lake Michaelson is breath taking and so are the views of the main peaks – Batian, Lenana and Nelion
Your summit bid from this trail begins at Mintos Camp some 4.5km below Point Lenana at elevation of 4300m asl. as you close in to the peaks the trail takes a steep ascent as you enter Simba Tarn Camp and remains as such until Point Lenana. From here enjoy close up view of Point Nelion and Batian.
Mount Kenya; Naromoru- Naromoru
Starts at Met station Camp and leads up a steep section to the moorland through the Hargenia Forest. The Teleki valley is magical as you enter Mackinders Camp approximately 3 hours later. From here its final 6km push to Lenana peak via Austrian hut from Mackinders Camp at an elevation of 4300m asl.
Joining the via Ferrata with Lewis galcier on your left graced by Point Nelion and Point Batian the highest point in Kenya. Enjoy your moment at the peak living the magic of the 360 degrees views .. the lakes, the valleys.. the peaks. Soon after its run/ walk back to Met station retracing your foots steps.
Mount Sirimon- Naromoru Traverse
This another option trail if you are not a fan of doing the same trail up and down. This is a combination of Sirimon and Naromoru trails described above.
Total distance : Old Moses to Met Station via Point Lenana is approximately 31km. Approximate time: 9-12hrs
Experience the trails the mountain differently, It is the intensity.. it is the love.. the reward for staying the course.
What gears do you need for this kind of Adventure
Running camel back
Trail Running Shoes
Hydration Bladder
Running Bottoms and Tops
Waterproof windbreaker jacket- light
Hiking Poles
Running socks
Snacks
What should my diet be like in the run up to the trail running day?
Maintain a balance diet as you prepare for high energy expenditure runs. Constantly listen to your body to help you know what you need to eat and how much. Cab loading; 2-3 days to the d-day : depending on the longevity of the run- carry enough snacks for your entire run. If you have a support team ensure they are ready with necessary recharge snacks for at designated stops.
In the end it is about you.. so let it be
We want to remind you that you can begin at what ever point you are in your fitness journey. This is your journey, pace yourself and feel great about, the outdoors are for the free and wild.
Whether you are starting or veterans the trails are always ready to reward those who have the courage to step outside. Remember if you are new to the trails here is a beginners guide to help you adopt to this new lifestyle. To start you off here some hiking trails within two hours from Nairobi to jump start your life Outisde
We are here to run and walk the trails with you. Reach us here
