MACKINDER’S VALLEY EXCURSION

Mackinder's Valley also known as Teleki Valley is a deep glacial valley located on the southwest side of Mount Kenya, the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest in Africa. The valley is named after Sir Halford John Mackinder, a British geographer and explorer who led an expedition to Mount Kenya in 1899.

 

Mackinder's Valley is known for its breathtaking beauty, with steep granite walls rising thousands of meters high. The valley is home to several glaciers, including the famous Diamond Glacier, and it provides a fantastic vantage point to admire the majestic summit of Mount Kenya. The main peaks, Batian and Nelion, dominate the skyline, and their snow-capped summits are a breathtaking sight.

 

To trek all the way to Mackinder’s camp one has to use Naro Moro gate (2,400M ASL) which is approximately 180km from Nairobi where registration and payment is done. If you decide to start trekking from main the gate one will cover 17kms to the camp and back which might be very difficult if one is doing day hike. Majority drives to Met Station (3,048M asl) which is 7kms from the main gate, the road is tarmacked, steep with sharp bends.

“Real adventure is defined best as a journey from which you may not come back alive, and certainly not as the same person.” – Yvon Chouinard. We all returned home safe but not as we were before the hike. Below are the responses from a few hikers from the group;

“Mimi altitude sickness showed me pepper at the very early stages of the hike. 😂😂😂😂 Eeei Mackinder’s valley wewe You really humbled me”

“Mackinder’s ndiyo mama yao it was tough trust me.”

“On the 18th of November I have to confirm this giant Mackinder’s again, I thought elephant is hard 😂. For the first time I didn't summit😞. Still asking myself how I couldn't cover 10kms only 🤔.”

“I enjoyed freezing at Mackinder’s camp... thou I got an injury I summited on time.

From the above comments, Mackinder’s Valley is in another level that requires adequate preparations in terms of fitness, mental, right gears and above all right attitude.

Welcomed by the steep ascent which offered perfect opportunity for warm up, thinking you are done with ascent you get surprised by seeing it getting worse. Altitude strikes, pace reduced, communication breakdown followed by many unplanned breaks. We all started trekking together, after ten mins we had formed more than five groups, as time passed more groups were added some having one, two, three and some more hikers.

By the time we covered three kilometers some had already given up and could not push further, symptoms of altitude sickness were evident which includes; headache, vomits, dizziness and inability to breathe normally. The solution to this is drinking enough water and maintaining a friendly pace.

After covering five kilometers more than 50% of hikers had already given up and planned to revisit the trail again and finish, this was a result of heavy rain which doubled the hike. Team Subaru proceeded and were able to summit despite the many challenges along the trail which included heavy rain. The smiles in their faces were evident sign of accomplishment and marking Mackinder’s out of bucket list.

Breathtaking views of Batian, Nelion and Lenana peaks took away the struggle of climbing, indeed beautiful views are the reward of hard climb. Some proposed we proceed to Lenana but knowing the distance I just smiled and said, “on 3rd to 6th August we shall be summitting via Chogoria route.”

Descending was easy and took less than 3 hours to our finish point where our team members were waiting while discussing how challenging the trail was. The trek taught us numerous lessons;

PREPARATIONS

1. Research the Trail: Start by selecting a trail suitable for your fitness level and experience. Look for information on the trail's length, difficulty, elevation gain, terrain, and any potential hazards. Read reviews or consult with experienced hikers for insights.
2. Plan Your Route: Study the trail map and plan your route accordingly. Determine the distance you plan to cover.
3. Check the Weather: Stay updated on the weather forecast for the duration of your hike. Avoid hiking during extreme weather conditions such as storms, heavy rain, or extreme heat. Be prepared for changes in weather by packing appropriate clothing and gear.
4. Get Fit: Hiking can be physically demanding, so it's important to build your fitness level before embarking on a challenging hike. Incorporate regular exercise into your routine, including cardio and strength training. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts to build endurance.
5. Gear and Equipment: Invest in proper hiking gear and equipment to ensure your safety and comfort. Some essential items include:

• Sturdy and comfortable hiking boots.
• Moisture-wicking and layered clothing appropriate for the weather conditions.
• Backpack with hip and chest straps to distribute weight evenly.
• First aid kit, including bandages, blister treatments, and any necessary medications.
• Adequate food and water supply, considering the duration of your hike.
• Rain gear, including a waterproof jacket and pants.
• Sun protection, such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Trekking poles (optional but helpful, especially for challenging terrains).

1. Physical Preparation: In the weeks leading up to your hike, focus on building endurance and strength through regular exercise. Incorporate activities such as hiking, walking, jogging, or cycling to prepare your muscles for the physical demands of the trail.
2. Practice Hiking Skills: If you're a beginner or inexperienced hiker, take some time to practice basic hiking skills. Start with shorter hikes in local parks or trails to get familiar with the equipment, navigation, and pacing.
3. Tell Someone Your Plans: Before you set off, inform a trusted friend or family member about your hiking plans. Share details about the trail, the estimated duration, and when you expect to return. This way, someone will be aware of your whereabouts in case of an emergency.
4. Leave No Trace: Respect the environment and adhere to the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out all your trash, minimize your impact on the ecosystem, and follow any local regulations or guidelines.
5. Stay Hydrated and Nourished: During the hike, maintain a balanced diet and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Carry lightweight, non-perishable snacks that provide sustained energy, such as granola bars, nuts, dried fruits, or energy gels.
6. Start Early and Pace Yourself: Begin your hike early in the day to make the most of daylight hours. Pace yourself according to your fitness level and the trail's difficulty. Take breaks when needed, rest, and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Remember, safety should be your top priority while hiking. If you encounter any hazardous conditions, unexpected changes, or physical discomfort, be prepared.

Congratulations to the team, see you soon.

"Hiking is a bit like life: The journey only requires you to put one foot in front of the other...again and again and again. And if you allow yourself the opportunity to be present throughout the entirety of the trek, you will witness beauty every step of the way, not just at the summit." - Anonymous

Next, we are doing;

24th June, Mt Kipipiri, 8th July Table Mountain, 29th July Kereita Forest and Zipline.

 

Signed

Peter Mureithi.