Self-doubt creeps into your head and stops you in your tracks. You think you’re not fit enough so you don’t try. If you want to get into hiking, don’t worry about your fitness now. You can improve it quickly and be fit enough to tackle increasingly challenging routes. The greatest thing I enjoy about hiking is that your hiking fitness is not just about your body. It’s about your mind too. Getting your mind and body fit is essential to becoming a hiker, so you can enjoy the freedom of being on the trail.
Let go of preconceptions of what makes someone a “Hiker”. This is the best place to start, and it’s huge. Ignore the advertisements for hiking and outdoor fear that show ridiculously fit or slim women modeling clothing and equipment for hiking. The truth is that hiking is for everyone. All shapes, sizes, ages, gender affiliations, abilities… everybody.
Hikes range from rugged paths, narrow to wide trails, gentle to steep slopes mainly on gravel. If you’re considering hiking for the first time, we suggest starting with an easy trail – one between 4 to 10km with a gentle incline/decline. Eventually, you may end up being ready to tackle a much tougher hike. Start slow and strive for progress, not perfection.
First-time hikers
One common mistake seen with first-time hikers in our region is a lack of preparation. That is, it’s not uncommon to see hikers kilometers into a trail without a backpack, rain gear, water, or food. This is almost always a recipe for disaster. Regardless of the length or difficulty of your hike, make sure that you pack enough water and food for your trip.
Everyone
Terrain – You need the right footwear. Hiking boots are always your best bet especially if the hike takes you into the mountain terrain. Boots provide for ankle support, rough surfaces and water resistance. It’s common to see people walking up hills or mountains in trainers, which lack all the above.
Climate and weather – You can find weather predictions on the internet, but in Kenya where we live in a temperate climate, the weather can be less predictable. You could be walking over beautiful moorland in glorious sunshine one moment, only to be surrounded by thick fog the next. When you stop for a rest, notice how quickly you cool off or get too hot. The adverse effects could cause Hypothermia or Hyperthermia. So you need to prepare with the right clothing to cope with changeable weather.
Possibly, depending on what you already own. In terms of shoes, either hiking boots or more lightweight shoes (like sneakers/trainers) for trail travel can do wonders in terms of preventing injury, stopping blisters, and ensuring comfort on the trail. When giving thought to the shoes you might want to purchase, make sure they are one size bigger and be sure to break in your footwear prior to logging long hikes.
For clothing, make sure you tailor how you prepare to both the season and your destination. High-elevation hikes will likely be colder and windier than surrounding valleys, even in warmer months. Weather can change quickly in the mountains and usher in rain with little notice. Layers are therefore key in any season: these allow you to add or remove clothing as necessary as your activity levels and weather conditions change.
Lightweight, non-cotton activewear material is often a choice clothing item by many hikers since, unlike cotton, it helps to wick away moisture that can contribute to both discomfort and (in the worst case) hypothermia. Experiment with different options on shorter trails first to figure out what the best combination of protection and comfort is for you.
In addition to shoes and clothing, for a day hike you need water; at least 1 to 3 liters is essential.
You require a backpack (racksack) in which it carries food, water and rain gear. Over time you may find walking poles useful, especially if you experience knee joint pain.
List of hiking essentials
Footwear and Clothing
❒ Hiking shoes or trail runners
❒ Hiking socks
❒ Hiking pants or shorts
❒ Hiking shirt or baselayer
❒ Rain jacket/windbreaker
❒ Down or synthetic jacket
Equipment
❒ Daypack
❒ Water in reusable water bottle or hydration reservoir
❒ Food
❒ Headlamp
❒ Trekking poles
❒ First aid kit
Extras and Personal Items
❒ Sunglasses
❒ Hat
❒ Sunscreen
❒ Insect repellant
❒ Lip balm
❒ Toilet paper
❒ Camera
❒ Emergency blanket
❒ Lighter or waterproof matches
❒ Whistle
❒ Gaiters (for rainy weather)
I encourage people to carry their own dietary needs and preferences that will provide a boost of energy. I highly recommend the following: Sandwiches (boiled eggs, cheese, meats, peanut butter), granola bars, nuts, fruits such as apples, bananas and oranges, energy bars/gels or sweets. It’s best to avoid fatty foods as these take longer to digest and could lead to an upset stomach. Pre-pack your food items in reusable bags rather than heavy or large containers that fill up your back back.
All hikes are guided by local guides who are familiar with the area and provide support to the struggling hikers. In protected areas and where there is danger of wild animals the local authorities provide rangers from the Forest or Wildlife services who are most likely armed with AK47. It is advisable to heed to their instructions and always keep close with the rest of the group.
I’ve always loved the outdoors but started organising hikes in 2013 as a hobby. The consistency and interest from people has encouraged me to become more professional as I get more acquainted with the needs of my hiking group and the hiking trails. I have climbed Mt Kenya 3 times, Mt Elgon 2 times, Mt Kilimanjaro 2 times and Mt Meru once.
On average we are usually about 5 – 15 people. But on a popular hike, I have managed up to 25 people comfortably. Because my hikes are all about getting out of Nairobi to enjoy the hills and mountains our country is blessed to have, we take our time and walk at pace. No one is left behind and you will always find someone if not the guides very supportive.
Most definitely! We have a hike for all levels. Unfortunately, it’s not an often occurrence, sometimes because we adults are always nervous about our kids. But I’ve had a hike where the parents brought their 2 yo carrying her safely on the baby carrier, my sister and friends who’ve hiked with their kids between the age of 5 and 16. And I have summited Mt Elgon with a 7 and 15 year old. I encourage all children to be accompanied by their parents if younger than 12. We also do hikes for families and their dogs too!
A loaded backpack should not weigh more than about 10% of your body weight but ideally should not be more than 4kg. Assume you carry 2 liters of water, some snacks, your rain gear, your phone and chargers, 3.5kg should be ideal. Most all-day backpacks range from 20 – 35 liters. Smaller backpacks like those sold by Decathlon 10 liters is usually sufficient for half day hike, but you will require larger backpacks for all day hikes so you can carry extra water, food, clothing and essentials. Sun protection, fleece/jacket, rain jacket and pants, first aid kit, nutrition, hydration, emergency kit.
This is actually one of the benefits of hiking. East Africa provides one of the best places to see wildlife, within distance; from Birds, insects, grazers, big 5 and more. However, we thankfully hike in a parts of the country where the risk of harm to humans from wildlife is incredibly low. Where there are larger wildlife like elephants and buffaloes, we will have armed guide.
But most importantly, avoid indiscriminately killing or harassing wildlife in the backcountry, Don’t pick flowers (take a picture instead), and remember that we are the visitors in the home of local species. All should be left alone to allow the next hikers experience the same.
LEAVE NO TRACE: Hikers generally avoid making loud sounds, such as shouting or loud conversation, or use of mobile phones. Hikers tend to avoid impacting on the land, staying on established routes, not picking plants or flowers, disturbing wildlife and carrying out garbage. In Swahili we say, “YAANI” meaning, i.e., Leave nothing but footprints. Take nothing but photos. Kill nothing but time. Keep nothing but memories.