Mount Kinangop Tribute – Mutarakwa Forest Trail
A strenuous high-altitude challenge for intermediate hikers
A Long High-Altitude Challenge
Rising to an elevation of 3,906m (12,815ft) above sea level, Mount Kinangop is tough and awe-inspiring at the same time. It is the second-highest peak of the Aberdares and delivers a challenging but immensely rewarding hike. This duality has earned it the moniker “Mother Kinangop”.
Hiking through the Mutarakwa Route immerses you into a scent-filled forest of cypress and pine trees. The trail becomes increasingly steep and wet as you approach the moorland toward the rocky summit. The final ascent to the peak is a rocky scramble that will test your fear of heights! The entire hike to the peak and back takes 10-12 hours and covers approximately 28km. Mother Kinangop respects nobody. We return to pay tribute to Kinangop, hoping to scale the treacherous summit. This is a tough hike; you must be reasonably fit to reach the peak.
Things to Keep in Mind
- This is a high-altitude hike, therefore, come prepared to take it very slow from start to finish so you have an enjoyable experience. Stop ascent if you feel unwell.
- The weather in the high altitudes changes fast. Please remember to pack rain clothes and a warm jacket.
- The bamboo footpaths have very steep, slippery, and rocky sections. A trekking pole is useful but not mandatory. However, waterproof boots with good traction are crucial for this hike.
- The final ascent to the peak is a risky ascent on bare rocks. Please be extremely cautious as you undertake this final climb; otherwise, consider foregoing it altogether.
Mount Kinangop Hike Distance & Stats
Distance: 28km
Maximum Elevation: 3,906m
Maximum Elevation Gain: 1,263m
Duration: 10-12 hours
Trail Grading: 14km of a gradual incline through dense forest, wet, muddy bamboo trails, and marshy moorland bogs.
Difficulty: Strenuous
Beginner-friendly: No
Child-friendly: No
Mount Kinangop Tribute Itinerary
3:15 a.m Meet up on Simba Street, off City Hall Way. Boarding opens.
3:30 a.m Departure for North Kinangop Mutarakwa Forest Station.
06:30 a.m Arrival at North Kinangop Mutarakwa Forest Station.
07:00 a.m Hike Starts
01:30 p.m Mandatory turn-back and descent in order to avoid encounters with wild animals after dusk
EST 07:30 p.m Departure for Nairobi
Mode of hiking: Time target-based
You shall receive targets to evaluate your progress throughout the hike. The entire group’s turn-back time is 1:30 p.m.
Charges
Ticket | By Bus | Self-Drive |
Kenyan & EAC Citizens | KES 5,450 | KES 3,900 |
Foreign Kenyan Residents | KES 6,000 | KES 3,450 |
Non-Resident Foreigners | US$ 111.00 | NA |
* Non-Resident African Citizen: $30 off the non-resident rate
Mpesa Till 989985
Included in your ticket
The Outdoorer Promise:
- 7:1 hiker to guide ratio on day hikes and 4:1 hiker to guide ratio on expeditions.
- Additional guidance and support from Outdoorer Champions.
- At least one skilled paramedic (up to 5 depending on the group size).
- A thorough emergency action plan for any emergencies that may arise.
- Other ticket-includes as detailed below.
Day Hike-Includes:
- Transport from Nairobi and back
- Park fees & charges
- Armed ranger fees where applicable
- Guide services
- Paramedic services
- A liter of water, glucose, and fruits
- 5% discount on gear purchases
What to Wear
- Quick-drying tshirt
- Quick-drying pants
- Fleece jacket
- Sun hat or cap
- Well-treaded hiking shoes
What to Carry
- 3L water and suitable snacks
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants
- Trekking pole
- Identification documents
How to Prepare for the Hike
- Engage in active cardio exercises such as aerobics, walking, running, cycling, and swimming among others the week prior to the event.
- Set aside the day before the hike for resting--take a break from exercises.
- Increase your hydration at least two days to the hike.
- Purpose to get enough rest the night before the hike.
- If on intermittent fasting or on a diet, take a break in the period one day before and after the hike. This way, you will build up your energy reserves for the arduous task ahead.
- Cut your toe nails!
- Have a generous breakfast at least 3 hours before the start of the hike. This ensures that most of the food has been digested by the time you begin the hike, giving you the much-needed energy while ensuring your stomach is not too full for comfort.
- Use the bathroom before leaving the house to reduce the need for bathroom breaks on the commute.
- Set your mind up for conquering yourself. Hiking is more about your mindset than physical preparation. Once you win the battle in your mind, everything else contributes less than 10%. You can do it!