Rurimeria Moorland Trek
The mountain of false peaks
Get Ready to Engage Your Beast Mode
Rurimeria is a beautiful beast. Can you tame it? Despite being the third-highest peak on the Aberdare Ranges, its 7.5km trail is one of the most exhausting in the Aberdare Ranges—and that’s what makes conquering it so rewarding! Traditionally, the Aberdare Ranges are renowned for their beautiful scenery. The Rurimeria moorland challenge combines this with a dramatic hiking experience, taking you past three false summits before reaching the actual summit at 3,860 mASL.
The hike begins with a dramatically steep climb to reach the first peak. The path continues on a gentle incline, and in no time, you've reached the second peak. Past that is a fairly steep climb to the top of the third peak, and this is where the altitude effects start to kick in! However, your hike is as good as done when you reach the third peak; the rest of the moorland trek is fairly level, save for the final scramble to the very top of the Rurimeria summit.
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 steep sections can be very slippery in wet weather. A trekking pole is useful but not mandatory. However, waterproof boots with good traction are crucial for this hike.
Rurimeria Moorland Challenge Distance & Stats
Distance: 15km
Maximum Elevation: 3,860m
Maximum Elevation Gain: 1,190m
Duration: 6-8 hours
Trail Grading: Very steep climb to the first peak; rocky, fairly level straddle across the second peak; steep climb in the heather zone to the third peak; relatively level moorland trek, with a final brief, very steep climb to the Rurimeria summit.
Difficulty Rating: Difficult
Beginner-friendly: No
Child-friendly: Fit 12+
Rurimeria Moorland Challenge Itinerary
4:15 a.m Meet up on Simba Street, off City Hall Way. Boarding opens.
4:30 a.m Departure
07:30 a.m Arrival at Ndunyu Njeru KWS Offices for registration.
08:00 a.m Departure for the trail start point
09:00 a.m Hike Starts
02:00 p.m Mandatory turn-back and descent in order to avoid encounters with wild animals after dusk
EST 06:30 p.m Departure for Nairobi
Charges
Ticket | By Bus | Self-Drive |
Kenyan & EAC Citizens | KES 5,300 | KES 3,250 |
Foreign Kenyan Residents | KES 5,600 | KES 3,550 |
Non-Resident Foreigners | US$ 106.00 | NA |
* Non-Resident African Citizen: $30 off the non-resident rate
Mpesa Till 989985
Trip Includes & Cancellation Policy
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!