Aberdare’s Satima Crossover hike is a complete south-north axis traverse. The route is unique in combining panoramic views to reward the ardent hikers.
Day 1: Nairobi – Reedbuck Campsite
Leave Nairobi in the morning for Nyeri town and proceed to Kiandongoro Gate. Walk to the fishing lodge for a night at the Reedbuck campsite. Spend the afternoon accompanied by an armed ranger as you visit the Karuru and Gura waterfalls. (4-hour walking round trip to the waterfalls.)
Day 2: Reedbuck Campsite to Honi River Campsite.
After breakfast, trek through the moorland, viewing high-altitude plant life. Elephants, lions, buffaloes, antelopes and various bird species can be encountered as you proceed towards the Honi River campsite for dinner and overnight (6-7 hours)
Day 3: Honi River Campsite to Wandare’s Roadhead Campsite.
After breakfast, hike through the Hagenia Forest to Wandare’s Road-head Campsite for dinner and overnight (5–6 hours)
Day 4: Road-head Campsite – Le Satima, Twin Peaks.
Hike to the top of Satima Peak (4001 m), which is the highest point in the Aberdares overlooking the Great Rift Valley to the west and, to the east, Mount Kenya. Descend via the scenic route to the northern Aberdares, comprising the Dragon’s Teeth, a sporadic rock formation rising from the wet moorland and bogs. Twin Peaks – A pair of large volcanic towers, situated near one another, the Nipple – the lost pyramid, now popularly referred to as the “nipple”. We pitch camp at the road/trail junction for an overnight.
Day 5: Junction to Cedar Retreat
After breakfast, we hike down the road to Cedar Retreat camp. The trail passes through the tree-line zone, the bamboo zone, and the tropical rainforest. A five-hour hike will lead you to the camp, where a deserving hot shower awaits you and a bonfire. You will have completed an East-West traverse sampling of the best of Aberdares National Park. Dine and stay overnight in a bunkhouse. Room upgrades can be done for extra comfort.
Day 6: Back to Nairobi.
After a late breakfast, drive to the Shamata gate to sign out of the park, en route to Nairobi.
Mountains have their own climate on account of their height. Rain clouds can appear without warning and be gone hours later. An early morning frost is possible at any time of the year, and guests should bring a fleece and light rain jacket, although, during the heat of the day, shorts and T-shirts should suffice.
Sleeping bag: one rated for four (4) seasons is fine. The bag should be a snug fit since if it is too large, there will be more cool air for the body to warm
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- Rain Trouser
- Rain Jacket [Poncho]
- Balaclava [Hat Woollen]
- Warm Clothes down jacket
- Thermal underwear
- Fleece Jacket
- Hiking Boots
- Gloves
- Walking Sticks
- Head Torch
- Sunglasses
- First Aid box
- Ruck Suck 65L (duffel bags are unacceptable) to be carried by porters
- Day Pack 35 [For your personal effects]
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- Optional comfort accessories;
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Walking poles, hot water bottle, Bivy bag
Wet wipes; ideal for those who want to stay fresh but are unable to bear dips in the freezing mountain weather
4: Passport/Identification Card {ID}
5: Personal travel/ medical insurance
Options are, of course, many and varied, and in many cases, we can be flexible about the itinerary for accommodation facilities and the extension of the safari destinations.
