Itchyfeet Hikers is a community of nature lovers who share a deep passion for hiking and exploring the outdoors. Since 2013, we’ve been organizing hikes across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. From day hikes to multi-day treks – creating space for people to connect with nature, recharge and discover new landscapes together on foot.
What began as a small group of adventurers has grown into a vibrant network where stories, trails and memories are shared. Our hikes are more than just physical journeys; they are about building friendships, supporting one another and celebrating the beauty of our regions mountains, forests and rivers.
Our mission is simple: to inspire people to step outside, experience the healing power of the outdoors and foster a spirit of community and conservation. Whether you are an experienced walker or setting out on your first trail, you’ll find a welcoming space with us.
Itchyfeet Hikers continues to grow, not as a business, but as a collective driven by passion, volunteering, and the belief that nature is best experienced together.
Karibuni sana! Welcome!!
HIKING Need to know
Introduction
Walking is one of the best exercises there is for your body. It doesn’t stress your joints as much as running does, but still gets your body working hard enough for it to benefit from the exercise. Hiking is walking. So it is good for you, but it is more than just walking. It’s also communing with nature.
Hiking Safety and Etiquette tips
- PACE – Being forced to hike much faster than one’s natural pace can be annoying, difficult to maintain consistently, and increases fatigue; it may also cause injury. But if a group splits between fast and slow hikers, the slow hikers may be left behind or become lost.
- The common custom is to encourage the slowest hiker to lead and have everyone match that speed.
- Our custom is to have slower and possibly experienced hikers sweep up the rear on a rota, to ensure that everyone in the group is safe. And we also have a guides for that.
- NOISE – Hikers generally avoid making loud sounds, such as shouting or loud conversation, or the use of mobile phones. However, hikers sometimes make noise as a safety precaution.
- LEAVE NO TRACE – Hikers tend to avoid impacting the land, staying on established trails, not picking plants, or disturbing wildlife, and carrying garbage out. YAANI: “Leave nothing but footprints. Take nothing but photos. Kill nothing but time. Keep nothing but memories”.
Hazards
Hiking may produce threats to personal safety. These threats can be dangerous circumstances and/or specific accidents or ailments.
- Noxious plants that cause rashes can also be particularly bothersome. Such plants include poison oak, poison ivy, poison sumac, and stinging nettles.
- Other dangers include becoming lost, inclement weather, hazardous terrain, or exacerbation of pre-existing medical conditions.
- Additional potential hazards are dehydration, hypothermia, sunburn, sunstroke. attacks by animals, including snakes, or injuries such as ankle sprain, or broken bones.
- Attacks by humans are also a reality in some places, and lightning is also a possible threat, especially on high ground.
Hiking Tips
- Hike Quietly. Echos are fun, but keep conversations quiet and enjoy the lack of horns, engines, and city noises.
- Drink often to stay hydrated. Carry enough water for the day and your pack will get lighter as the day wears on.
- Small snacks often will keep your energy level up rather than waiting for a big lunch meal after you’ve emptied your body’s reserves.
- Keep a small amount of surplus food ready, just in case.
- Bring and use sunscreen and a hat to prevent sunburn, even on cloudy or cold days.
- Repackage to reduce weight. No need to bring the whole plastic-wrapped box of 12 energy bars when you’ll only eat 2 and need one more just in case.
- Keep a bandanna tied to your pack strap for a quick wipe of your brow as needed.
- Inspect your emergency and first aid kits before each hike. Replace consumed items. Especially be able to start a fire.
- Minimize your weight before starting a long hike, cut your finger & toe nails, and go to the bathroom 🙂
- Water is critical for staying alive, but it is also deadly when mixed with cold on the trail. Keep yourself and your gear dry. Put items in zip-loc baggies, sleeping bag in heavy-duty plastic garbage bag, clothes in waterproof bags. Carry and use raingear.
- If your hands swell while hiking, raise them. Hold onto your pack shoulder strap for a while and see how that helps. Use trek poles to keep your hands elevated a bit and keep the muscles active.
Day Pack Checklist
- Lunch & Snacks
- At least 2 Liters of Water – Water bottles or a hydration bladder
- Rain Gear – Waterproof/resistant jacket and waterproof pants when instructed
- Sun Protection – Lip balm, sunscreen, wide-brim hats, etc
- Gaiters
- Hiking Poles
- Camera phone and/or Binoculars (if you have a pair)
- First Aid Kit – Try to have your own