Harriet James @harriet86jim
“Always ensure that you have some vitamins such as K before a hike trip to eliminate cramps and also for energy,” began Harun Makwana, team leader for this trip.
The cramps would bring discomfort during the trip. In a package, Harun had given each one of us a banana, apple, glucose and an energy wafer to ensure that we were all fit for the hike that chilly Sunday morning.
Though scary, I had always desired to go for a hiking venture and when I got a chance, I grabbed, it especially because I could make new friends. Besides, it’s cheaper going for such trips as a group as opposed to going it solo.
We all woke up anxious, excited to hike to Ragia Falls in Aberdare Ranges. Besides the severe morning cold, the hikers were there on time, donned in tracksuits. Some were well equipped with climbing gear such as trekking poles and hiking boots. I didn’t know how vital it was to have proper hiking boots until later on, when I was embarrassed.
Tree planting
Using the Limuru-Kinangop route, it had taken us two hours to cover about 90km to the camp. We had a stopover at the scenic Sasumua Dam and took lots of pictures despite the horrible weather.
Dark rain clouds were gathering fast and it seemed like it would pour heavily on us. “We are planting trees to minimise soil erosion here and to increase indigenous tree cover to help ensure continuous rainfall so that the waterfalls don’t run dry,” Harun said before we began our own tree-planting exercise.
Harun is a mountain environment activist and is keen on planting trees even as he organises hiking expeditions. The exercise made me aware on the significance of conservation even as I travel.
The Sasumua Watershed is situated in the west of the Abedare Ranges near Njabini township. In local dialect, Njabini means ‘In the Marshland,’ derived from the vast wetland, which for centuries has provided water to nearby areas and now also services a fifth of Nairobi residents.
The reservoir has a carrying capacity of 19 million cubic metres and is fed from two sub catchments in the headwaters of Kiburu and Chania rivers.
Safari ant attack
We felt like responsible tourists just by helping ensure that the catchment area is sustainable and that 20 per cent of Nairobi can tap sufficient water all year round. We took about 30 minutes planting trees and taking photographs at the site.
After more warm up exercises, armed forest rangers led the way as we began our 11km hike. Not being very fit though, we had to make several stops to recover our strength. Harun insisted that we take plenty of water so as to stay hydrated.
A 60-year old lady surprised me by her agility and her passion for hikes. I hoped that I too would have the strength to do this even as I get older. After about an hour, we entered a thick bamboo forest, following elephant trails and then down the valley to a water pipeline way leave.
Falling twice in the slippery slopes made me realise that sport shoes are not good enough for hiking. One needs hiking boots and rainproof tracksuits.
My team was most supportive and I had to be held many times so as not to slip. However, other first timers would scream each time they slipped.
Trudging up a steep slope, the leading group were caught unawares by safari ant attacks. Hearing shouts of agony from ahead, we feared a wild animal or just plain fear was the cause— until we saw the agitated ants.
A brave Harun stood on the safari ant frontline, withstanding pain from the bites so everyone could make it to the top of the hill. I scrambled up with the others, scared of falling on the insects.
On top of the hill, we found team members busy removing the insects from their clothes. Some teenagers were crying from the painful bites! I assisted where I could.
Fortunately, the rest of the journey was smooth until we reached a slippery area near the Ragia waterfall. Here, we huddled together to ensure that none of us fell down. The sights and sounds of the waterfall was refreshing, giving strength to our tired bodies.
Scenic waterfall
We stood there marveling at the scenery, taking photos on different positions. Harun showed us a picnic site where we had our lunch and discussed our experiences.
I regretted not carrying an extra pair of clothes to change or even swimming wear, which is something I would advise others not to forget should they opt to hike to this or another destination.
Soon, the sun edged west past the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria and Uganda and to the Congo forest and beyond. It was time to retrace our steps down the mountain slopes.
