Oldoinyo Lesatima Dragon's Teeth Hike
Quite possibly the most scenic hike in Kenya
Rising to an altitude of 4,001m (13,126ft) above sea level, Oldoinyo Lesatima is the highest of the Aberdares peaks and the third highest peak in Kenya. It is located on the Northern side of the Aberdare range and can be accessed via two points: Mweiga (Wandare Trail) and Rhino and Shamata Gates (Mt Satima Dragon’s Teeth Hike).
We set out on the Dragon’s Teeth trail via the Shamata Gate, hoping to conquer ourselves on Mt. Satima Peak.
The gentle 8km trail will take us through a hiker’s paradise, trekking through fields of lush alpine vegetation, spotting a few wild animals, and walking past countless rows of magnificent craggy moraines, dubbed “Dragon’s Teeth”. The Dragon’s Teeth trail delivers some of the most breathtaking views of all hiking trails in Kenya.
Oldoinyo Lesatima Satima Dragon’s Teeth Hike Distance & Stats
Distance: 16km
Maximum Elevation: 4,001m
Maximum Elevation Gain: 800m
Duration: 6-8 hours
Difficulty: Hard; you will need to be reasonably fit to get to the peak.
Beginner-friendly: No
Child-friendly: Fit hikers 12yo and above
Oldoinyo Lesatima Dragon’s Teeth Hike Itinerary
4:15 a.m Meet up at International House Parking, City Hall Way. Boarding opens.
4:30 a.m Departure for Aberdare National Park.
09:00 a.m Arrival at Aberdare National Park Shamata Gate for registration
9:15 a.m Drive to the starting point at Twin Rocks
10:15 a.m Hike Starts
02:30 p.m Mandatory turn-back and descent to avoid encounters with wild animals after dusk
EST 06:30 p.m Departure for Nairobi
Charges
- Kenyan & East African Citizens - 4,300/=
- Foreigner with Kenyan Residency - 4,300/=
- Non-Resident Foreigner - 13,600/=
- Self-Drive (Kenyan Citizens only) - 2,800/=
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!