This week is a continuation of my hike up Mount Kenya, marching onward towards the summit. In case you missed the first part you can read it here.
We soon came to the mammoth Mackinder’s valley. No sooner had we got here that clouds engulfed us and we could no longer enjoy the scenic valley, surrounding rock formations and vegetation. It was calming however to hear the sound of water falling from small rock formations. The whole combination of the walk, the clouds, the sound of water calmed me down tremendously. The experience was absolutely awesome despite the cold.
We made it to Shimpton’s camp before sunset. As would be expected, the clouds that had been trailing us opened up and we were battered by an intense hailstorm all the way to the camp. This was a great experience and the whole ground was white and sparkling. At Shimpton’s camp we received a nice warm cup of coffee, had some time to relax and an early dinner before calling it a night.
The third day was going to be the toughest as our pursuit was double edged. Traversing a very rocky terrain, summiting the Peak, walking back down through Mackinder’s valley and back to Old Moses Camp. This double conquest was set to start at 3:30a.m. Due to the nature of the climb to the peak, one of the porters had to come and assist our guide in case we needed extra help, and sure enough he was quite helpful.
With our headlights set and ready to go.
Climbing the rocks was not an easy task and the temperatures were quite low and one had to be very careful. We made it to the peak at around 6:15a.m reaching our target without any troubles. Getting there was preceded with a good walk in the dark, being urged on by the moon and a beautiful night sky full of shooting stars.
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The peeking sun was a sight worth savoring, so I stopped to register this phenomenon from over 4,000mts ASL. We got to Lenana Peak and the whole Country seemed to be covered under a blanket of clouds, so calm, so beautiful. Yet my feet were strongly planted in the ground and not in an airplane.
All was good at the peak but the winds were excruciating, burning my hands so hard when I took them out of the gloves to take some photos. It was extremely windy at the top for us to spend a lot of time there but I managed to snap a few photos. This is an experience worth investing in, a once in a lifetime kind of experience.
We descended a bit lower where there was shield to have breakfast before starting journey back to Old Moses camp. Despite the long walk back, it was a wonderful expedition and another check off my bucket list.
The team poses for a group photo
Much thanks to David our guide who planned the whole trip and ensured we had everything we needed. He customizes the trip to your expectations and makes it worthwhile. David does several hikes around the country, Kilimanjaro, Ruwenzori among others. Check out his company here http://www.lastmiletreks.com
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19 Comments
Rachel and Ratia, This hike looks inspiring and the photos are stunning. I’m chilled looking at them! Thanks for once again linking up with Weekend Travel Inspiration!
What amazing scenery! Looks like quite a climb.
Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for taking us along on this journey. The photos made it really come alive. That first one practically gave me vertigo with the slanted mountain side yet the people standing straight up vertical. I wished I could see the shooting stars overhead at night, but at least I can imagine it. The sunrise is beautiful, and oh my what a view from the summit. I have truly enjoyed this series.
Wow. That is all I have to say. Those sunrise shots are stunning! I love the trees in that third photo. The one in the front looks like one of those cartoon camels caught mid chew to me. Maybe I have an overactive imagination…
I am so glad you took us on this journey. I know that I would never do this myself so to see so many beautiful candid photos of the climb makes me appreciate what it would be like. I can imagine how atmospheric it was when the clouds descended. The summit photo – wow and I loved the red rock but the variety of shots is amazing. I feel like I climbed it too in a very small way.
According to an article in Yahoo travel.
“Forget Kilimanjaro: Mount Kenya is Africa’s Most Rewarding Peak”
Mount Kenya is not only the continent’s second-tallest peak. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site has more intriguing landscape – lakes and gorges, freaky flora and fauna, over 130 species of birds. To the people of Kenya (the country took its name from the mountain), it is like Mount Olympus. The Kikuyu, the Embu, Meru and the Kamba believed God dwelled here.
The scenery is stunning! The Mackinder’s valley is a sight to behold, your photos are so vivid and capture the mountain in all it’s dimensions.
I will make an effort to climb the Mount Kenya one of these days.
Wow. What a journey. The fog is so beautiful, but the hail doesn’t sound so nice. Then the cold. Looks like the sunrise reward was worth the effort.
Amazing images! Wow!
Such perseverance – what a journey! Glad she finally made it to the top. It must’ve been such a satisfying experience. The views from the top are gorgeous!
This has never been on my thought but somehow this post has made me consider making this bucket list climb…ok added to my to do list!
Wow, Ratia..what a journey and I admire all your perseverance. Your pictures are stunning and such an unforgettable trip. Thanks for taking us on this trip virtually.
Great reading about the finale, congrats! Such beautiful views! These posts keep reminding me of our recent Mt. Kilimanjaro climb:)
H Ratla, congratulations for summiting Mt. Kenya!
Lovely photos! The vegetations and the landscape reminded me of part of my climb in Kilimamjaro. I hope to conquer Mt. Kenya sometime. You’re inspiring!
WOW!! Awesome job and huge congrats to you Ratia! Thank you so much for sharing her with us Rachael. I love how you built it up with so much suspense of the impending summit quest and that you did all in the dark! Just like those Everest climbs I’ve seen on tv. Absolutely beautiful indeed! 🙂
First of all, I asolutely love your new design. It’s so nice! Secondly, congrats – what a mile stone!!! Wow girl, you rock :). It’s been on my bucket list as well :).
Thanks Agness. I didn’t climb the mountain, my friend did. If you ever decide to tick it off your bucket list then we should meet up.
WOW! What stunning pictures! It is difficult not to look at your blog home page and not get completely sucked in. You did a great job. Makes me tempted to just book a flight to Kenya right now!
What is stopping you?I am more than ready to show you around.