2022 has been great so far and I look forward to sharing more this year.
In May 2022 Mt. Kenya came calling again, this time round I was up there documenting the journey of CS. Najib Balala Cabinet Secretary, Tourism and Wildlife as he led a group of the corporate partners who were willing to support and contribute towards making Mt. Kenya a better hiking destination.
I got really excited when this brief came in, I felt like I was ready for it. Forget about shooting but you must be aware that Mt. Kenya is 4,985m above sea level, it is not a place you walk up and come back with else, you must prepare with prior hikes. It was impromptu but I was happy. We had one pre hike, coupled with my football endavours, I felt I was more than ready. I was there less than 1 year ago.
One of the most important lessons I learned from https://outdoorer.ke about mountain climbing is patience. This is the weapon I need in everything with regards to preparing for the hike, acclimatising and the actual climb. I’m actually a slow climber, that way I give my body time to adapt.
Off we went and it took us 5 days.
I will now share a few pictures of our journey.
We left Nairobi and spent the first night at the camp right at Chogoria gate. We enjoyed some sunshine during the day but the night was as cold as we expected. Just. what we needed because the next 5 nights we’re going to get even more colder.
DAY 1
The next morning off we went, the hike was officially flagged off.We spent the night at a special camp just 4 kilometres from the Chogoria Gate to give everyone time to acclimitize.
DAY 2
The next morning we were up by 6am, took breakfast and at 7.00am ready to hit the trails. Plan was to be at Lake Ellis for the afternoonMeet Nesh my colleagueBeautiful trails here and if you are strong enough you will get to see Nithi Falls.The road to Lake Ellis. You can actually drive up Lake Ellis, you just need to have a good 4×4 car. Lake Ellis offers day hiker’s great opportunities. You can actually drive from Nairobi to Ellis, camp for a night or two and come back to the city. Destination Lake Ellis. Everyone so tired.Was lucky, someone snapped a photo of me at Lake Ellis Later that afternoon we went out to fish. Mr. Njihia, C.E.O Sahihi Builders trying his luck with the fish. The tentsWe had our oxygen levels checked every evening
DAY 3
Heading to our new destination Lake MichaelsonCould not resistUp the hills the pace was slow These are the most hardworking individuals I have met. You will leave them at the camp, they will pack all your things including the tents, they will walk past you and set up the next camp you are heading. By the time you get to the next camp you will find everything ready including the food. Mountain porters are the most amazing and hardworking people ever.Sitted CS Najib Balala (left) and DG KWS Brig. (Rtd) John Waweru having a break Just a nap!We were just getting startedThe whole team. From LEFT Mpesa’s Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, CS Najib Balala, VISA’s Eva Ngigi, KWS DG Brigadier (retired) John Waweru, Sahihi Builder’s MD Njoroge Njihia(second from right), Thorn Muli (far right)BeautyThe views. Njihia promised us fish and Lake Michaelson’s fish were friendlyDG Waweru needed rescue. He could not continueThe foodAlmost. Simba tarn is just up there.
We spent the last night here, Simba Tarn just below the summit point Lenana. The next morning we were up by 2.00am and ready for the summit.
DAY 4
Our senior Director Tony ready The promise of a sunrise kept us goingMpesa was here!Here comes the sunriseFinallyThe whole team
While having dinner at Lake Michaelson. CS ordered that we must hold an exhibition featuring the best images we have. The exhibition was slated towards end of July in Nairobi.
The exhibition aims to showcase the Mountain and everyone will be allowed to buy the pictures. The funds raised from the sale of the pictures will go towards improving the trails and the hiker’s experience as well as help with the conservation efforts within the eco system of Mt Kenya.
On 28th July 2022, the ministry of Tourism & Wildlife launched The Mt. Kenya Photo Exhibition at National Museum of Kenya.
Photos by Francis Kiguta and Paragon TimelapseFrom left Nesh-the drone guy, myself and Director Ogega of Frinant Pictures. Picture by Francis KigutaPosing for a photo with Ms Wausi Walya, Head of PR & Corporate Communications, Kenya Tourism Board. Picture by Francis Kiguta
I would like to personally invite you to check out the exhibition which is currently running until 2nd Sep 2022 at the Kenya National Museum. Buy a print or two to support our dream to make Mt. Kenya a perfect hiking location.
