Satima Wandare Trail
Satima Wandare Trail
The less-known gentle trail to the Aberdare Satima Peak
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).Â
We immerse ourselves into the Nyandarua magic all over again on a moderate ascent. Our access gate of choice is the Wandare Gate, off the Nyeri-Nyahururu highway near Mweiga.Â
We begin our adventure by driving 15km into the park, through the dense bamboo forest, to get to the trail starting point. We then hit the 10.5km trail through the beautiful golden moorland to get to the Oldoinyo Lesatima peak at 4,001m above sea level.
Mount Satima Wandare Trail Distance & Stats
Distance: 21km
Maximum Elevation: 4,001m
Maximum Elevation Gain: 800m
Duration: 6-8 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Beginner-friendly: No
Child-friendly: Fit hikers 12yo and above
Mount Satima Wandare Trail 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.
9:30 a.m Arrival at Aberdare National Park Wandare Gate for registration
9:30 a.m Drive to the starting point
10:30 a.m Hike Starts
02:15 p.m Mandatory turn-back and descent 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 5,500 | KES 3,300* |
Foreign Kenyan Residents | KES 5,500* | KES 3,300* |
Non-Resident Foreigners | US$ 105.00 | NA |
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.Â
- 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!