IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON WILDERNESS HIKING & MOUNTAIN TREKKING

 

A trek in Africa is not only a fascinating adventure but also offers the possibility to gain first hand knowledge of the remarkable nature of this continent. Apart from the world of savannah, you will find scenery, fauna, flora and cultures of exceptional nature. Trekking in these Wilderness places is however, physically demanding and first hand information is very useful.

It is important to remember that trekking is, nonetheless, a sport and as such requires a certain amount of physical preparation. Apart from physical strain, hiking also makes psychological demands. The beautiful sunrises and sunsets, the memories of evenings passed around the camp fire, and splendid views from hills and mountain tops dim the memory of different moments. The fatigue brought on by the weight of the rucksack, the sun beating down inexorably and mountain descents, maybe in the pouring rain are just some of the hiking experience. On the African "Giants" hardships are inevitable, due to the size of these mountains and the traveler’s bewilderment. Paths can be made more difficult by mud or snow; the weather on these high mountains can change with incredible speed. For those approaching these paths, being ready to put up with delays, the unforeseen and inconvenience should not hit you as a surprise.

HOW TO PREPARE

Those who regularly go hiking, mountaineering or practice other endurance sports such as jogging will have no difficulty meeting the physical demands of trekking. However, those accustomed to a predominantly sedentary lifestyle, should first undertake a training programme preceded perhaps by a medical check-up. Trekking can lead to health complications or accidents which would necessitate a rescue operation. High altitude places, for instance, are characterized by decreased atmospheric pressure and oxygen tension; a condition the body must get used to for proper physiological functioning.

If you are heading for the highest peaks (Kilimanjaro and Kenya) it is advisable to get acclimatized to the high altitudes and , if possible, spend a few nights in mountain huts or camping above 3000mbefore attempting the summit. Even those who run or hike regularly on the plain should do some training that includes considerable vertical ascents and descents since muscles work differently on the plain.

WHEN TO TREK

Weather patterns greatly influence the visiting time for trekkers in East Africa. Walking in the rain could be a bit uncomfortable especially on high mountains. Roads could become impassable and trekkers may need to walk for long distances to meet with vehicles for onward transfer. The best time for trekking thus is during the dry seasons. In Kenya, Uganda and northern Tanzania, broadly speaking, these are from December to February when it’s dry and warm and from May to September when it’s dry and cool.

The climate in East Africa is however becoming increasingly unpredictable and it seems that the amount of rain falling during the wet seasons is decreasing, making trekking at this time more attractive. Usually the rain falls in the afternoon, which means you can walk in the morning and get to your hut or put up your tent just after midday and avoid the rain.
On high mountains however, even in dry seasons, rain is never unlikely and thus you should be prepared for bad weather at all times.

TYPES OF TREKS

Supported trekking: This means you are self-contained and self-sufficient in terms of equipment and supplies, but Royal Ecotravel helps you organize for local porters to carry all or some of your gear and accommodation on the mountain. It is also possible to hire only a guide if you prefer to carry your own gear or want to minimize the size of your party.
With porters carrying your gear, you can go further each day or keep going for longer distances. It also makes your trek much easier on the legs and back, and generally adds to the overall enjoyment. Using porters can also give you more freedom to explore and enjoy the trek.
You can get guides who also cook and you can arrange to hire tents and equipment from us.

Organized trekking:
This is where your whole trek is organized by Royal Ecotravel. The trek begins when the vehicle drops you off at the roadhead or a national park entrance gate from where you start trekking. One reason why it is better to trek with us is that our guide will always stay with you. On a fully serviced trek, packed lunch and trek snacks are provided for midday break then walk to reach your bunkhouse or campsite for lunch. You relax while evening meal is prepared and breakfast is served in your hut or mess tent.
You can join a group and fit in with a pre-set schedule and itinerary or you can request us to arrange something to suit your own specifications. The main advantage is that all the pre-trek preparation is taken care of, including transport to the start of the trek, meals, camping equipment (where applicable), guides and porters.
Organized treks means follow a fixed itinerary although there could be a bit of flexibility.
Costs of an organized trek vary considerably and depend on many factors. These include the number of days included in the trip as a whole, the number of days spent trekking, the standard of accommodation before and after the trek, the quality of bunkhouses or tents on the mountain among other factors.

TIPS ON HIKING & TREKKING IN HIGH PLACES
Mountains can be safe, but preparations must be made to ensure safety. Persons attempting to climb the larger mountains of East Africa should be in excellent physical condition. Good conditioning will allow the climber to enjoy his/her walk at high altitude without being totally fatigued. Never ever underestimate any Mountain higher than 3000m.

The 5 major disciplines regarded as mountain’s norms include but are not limited to

Acclimatizing adequately:
High places are characterized by decreased atmospheric pressure and oxygen tension; a condition the body must get used to for proper physiological functioning. As many as 25% of people attempting the summit in a brief visit, fail to achieve their target for this reason.  Fitness is no help, indeed it can even be a handicap as some fit ones tend to push on ignoring the first symptoms until they get a very bad dose.  A sensible approach to acclimatization can help a great deal.

Eating right:
The greatest dietary requirement at high altitude is energy intake.  A diet high in carbohydrates and supplemented with other foods of high calorific value such as fruits will best prepare the body for the challenging afro-alpine environment. Menus therefore should be meticulously organized with great emphasis on energy content and digestibility at different altitude.

Dressing Right:
Be sure you have the appropriate gear for the duration of the trip. Garments of wool and insulated synthetic fibres are highly recommended. Avoid cotton and nylon if you can.  If hiking with porter(s), be sure to keep adequate gear in your backpack so that you have what you need, should you become separated during the hike.

Drinking Right:
The combined action of strong muscular exertion and strong winds predisposes a hiker to dehydration.  It is of utmost importance to replace the lost fluids.  To avoid dehydration, your fluid intake should be average 3-4 litres a day so as to be on the safe side. The following symptoms are the signs for a person suffering from dehydration: - Reduced urine output, puffy skin, production of dark orange urine, reduced mental orientation and headache.

Hiking Right:

  • Do not force yourself on the strenuous hike if your body feels weak. A wise man will obey his body language.
  • Give your body as much rest as possible on the eve of your pre-dawn summit attempt. By the same token increase your fluid intake.
  • Do not hurry while on trek.  Take your time.  Slow but steady pace is preferable (Pole Pole).
  • Inform your guide or your hiking partners on any strange feelings as soon as they occur. This will aid quick action in case of an emergency.
  • Visitors living in low altitude areas are advised to allow more time to acclimatize then those living in higher places, an extra day spent exploring the forest around 2000-3000m can make a big difference.
  • Hiking in high places normally yield different effects on individual body physiology. Though related feelings and body reactions are common, specific aspects are expected depending on the altitude and the level of ascend or descend. When ascending the body succumbs to the effect of altitude and gradual reduction of available airs with change in height. As descend starts, you can feel the effect of altitude, but not tantamount to when ascending.
  • Have all the basic requirements for your day’s hike in your day pack e.g. drinking water, extra warm and water prove clothing, first aid kit, snacks etc. for easy access to them whenever you need.

Safety

Safety should be the most sought after issue by any visitor to wilderness areas. Epics are easier to prevent than to extricate oneself from. A little planning could save yourself and others being involved in unnecessary dangerous situations. Trekking in high altitude areas can lead to health complications which would necessitate medication a rescue operation especially to those who are ill prepared.  However, even while paying close attention to safety and using the very best skills, the possibility of an accident always exists.  No one can reduce the possibility to absolute zero. There are no absolute medical contra-indications to climbing to high altitude, except for certain cardiac and pulmonary diseases for which affected persons should consult a physician. The risk of injury is however unavoidable in any outdoor environment.  Learning how to manage such risks and rescue possible victims of an accident should be the priority of any professional mountain operator. The majority of medical incidents - strains, flu, intestinal problems etc - can be treated in the field.  A more serious incident, such as a broken bone, will require evacuation to a medical facility.

Rescue Up the Mountain
In an event of an emergency, each and every individual in the party has a role to play. The party should cooperate to assist the victim through some initiatives and observing of the following guidelines; establish the source of injury and come up with effective rescue operation, Carry out relevant and urgent first aid, Keep the victim in a warm place, Seek for immediate help, Keep calm and control panic from the party members. Don’t leave the victim alone, but if necessary, keep him warm in a conspicuous point, the operation should be carried safely and in the shortest time possible to save the victim.

Utilizing the Guide’s Services

Guides play a greater role in enhancing client’s safety. They are experienced in First Aid and the handling of any altitude complications that may arise during the climb. They can identify symptoms of common mountain illness and in case of emergency, can literally carry the victim down the mountain. Porters carry the client’s luggage from one camp to another. As such, it is a custom to utilize the guide’s expertise. The following should be borne in mind while on hike;

  • Inform the guide of any abnormal feeling your body is developing.
  • Have rest stops to help the body regain strength and adjust to the gained altitude.
  • Take the required tablets as per description, when necessary, but inform your guide.
  • Ask your guide to take you down to low altitude (300m) if the condition is becoming worse.
  • Your guide will advise you on the necessary fluids to take to replenish the lost fluids through sweating and perspiration. 
  • Eat extra high calorific and digestible food like carbohydrates and fruits.
  • While hiking, keep at pace with your guide. Keep a sharp eye for abnormal movements of vegetation when trekking as this in most cases might be an animal stalking your group. But remember animals have right of way.

 HEALTH SAFETY & FIRST AID
This greatly depends on your pre-departure preparations, daily health care and how you handle any medical problem that does develop. While the dangers can seem quite frightening, in the reality few travelers experience anything more than upset stomachs.

Pre-departure planning: Consult a doctor before leaving your country. Ensure that you are in good health condition and that you have adequate health insurance. For those intending to hike in high places, ensure that you are checked for illness related to breathing (pulmonary system).

General Health & Fitness: Consider carefully your physical health before leaving for a trek in wilderness places of East Africa. Trekking in high places in particular could be strenuous and it is sensible to be reasonably fit before you start. The best training for walking is walking. If planning to trek on the high massifs of East Africa, that is Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya, reasonable acclimatization on altitude higher than 3000m is paramount.

First Aid Training: A good understanding of resuscitation techniques and control of bleeding could save a life. It is therefore appropriate to do an appropriate first aid course before leaving especially if traveling independently.

Immunizations: Before leaving for East Africa, several immunizations are required. This should be done early enough as some vaccinations require more than one injection, while others can not be given together.

TECHNICAL CLIMBING INFORMATION - MT. KENYA
The prime attraction for rock climbers and mountaineers on Mt. Kenya, are the twin peaks of Nelion (5188) and Batian (5199 m). Below these peaks are a complexity of fields of scree and ice, ridges, walls and couloirs which offer high standard technical rock and ice routes of about 640 to 1190m in length at an altitude of more than 4420m above sea level.
Although accurate grading is impossible due to variable seasonal and meteorological conditions as climbs are graded according to the technical difficulties they pose.  About half of the climbs are Alpine Grade V and IV USA rating. Under Prime conditions, some of the routes are easier while under bad conditions, a route may be a grade or harder.
There are two major technical rock and ice climbing routes on Mt. Kenya; the North face standard route and the Normal South East face route.

(I)  North face standard route
This route starts from Kami Hut taking the path leading to the trekkers Summit (Pt. Lenana.)  The climbing season for this route is June to October and it takes approximately 10 hours to climb the 1,100 m of a technically grade IV slope.  Possible to use it during other months but due to the heavy snow and wet conditions it is harder, Grade V (5.8 American). It has been done solo for many times but when out of season, though still possible, it calls for more use of crampons and ice hammer especially for those climbers intending to go across the ‘gates of mist’ route. Care should be taken especially when crossing the Lewis glacier and scrambling to the base.   The route has some distinct climbing ropes which have been left as route markers.

(II)  South East Face Normal Route:
It is most commonly used between mid December to mid March when it is designated as grade IV although much of the climb is not above grade IV. It starts from Austrian Hut, up Point Nelion across the Diamond couloir and the ‘Gates of Mist’ to Point Batian. It takes 6 hours to ascend to Nelion and a further 3 hours for reaching Batian and returning to Nelion. On the way to Nelion you bypass Howell Hut. It is advisable to spend the night at Howell hut on Nelion's summit. An ice-axe and Crampons are recommended.