Mt. Kipipiri Traverse
Mt. Kipipiri: The Prodigal Son Of The Aberdares
Flanked off the main Nyandarua Range, the Mt. Kipipiri traverse is as exciting as most other Aberdare hikes. The seemingly never-ending trail starts at the Geta Forest Station near Getabush, up to the Mt. Kipipiri summit (3,363m ASL), and then down a steep 4.5km stretch.
The hike starts on a well-paved dirt road before detouring into the woods. The terrain deceptively feels fairly flat most of the way—it is anything but! The 13km walk to the Mt. Kipipiri summit is exhausting, only softened by the beautiful flora, bountiful forest scents and soothing birdsongs. Coming down the mountain is equally challenging, forcing your knees to go into overdrive.
Kipipiri Traverse Distance & Stats
Distance: 17.5km
Maximum Elevation: 3,363m ASL
Maximum Elevation Gain: 902m
Duration: 6-8 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Beginner-friendly: No
Child-friendly: Fit hikers 12yo and above
2023 Dates: June 17, October 21
Kipipiri Traverse Itinerary
4:15 a.m Meet up at International House Parking, City Hall Way. Boarding opens.
4:30 a.m Departure for Geta Forest Station.
08:00 Arrival at Geta Forest Station
08:30 a.m Hike Starts
EST 05:00 p.m Departure for Nairobi
Charges
- Kenyan Citizens - 3,700/=
- Foreigner with Kenyan Residency - 3,900/=
- Non-Resident Foreigner - 4,300/=
Trip Includes & Cancellation Policy
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!