Mount Kinangop Tribute – Mutarakwa Forest Trail
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 entire hike to the peak and back takes 10-12 hours, covering 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.
Mount Kinangop Hike Distance & Stats
Distance: 28km
Maximum Elevation: 3,906m
Maximum Elevation Gain: 1,263m
Duration: 10-12 hours
Difficulty: Very Strenuous; you will need to be reasonably fit to get to the peak.
Beginner-friendly: No
Child-friendly: No
Mount Kinangop Tribute Itinerary
3:15 a.m Meet up at International House Parking, 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 |
Citizen | KES 4,950 | KES 3,300 |
Resident | KES 5,250 | KES 3,600 |
Non-Resident | KES 15,150 | KES 13,500 |
Mpesa Till 989985
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!