Kenya Treks

John Karumba’s thoughts on being a guide

My name is John Karumba and I am a guide on Mount Kenya.  I take clients up the mountain and some trips stay in my mind.  We did a great trip with a group of American ladies last year for Robin Hurt Safaris.  They were celebrating a 50th birthday and we camped at Lake Ellis and Lake Michaelson.  Not many people camp on this side, so the clients loved being on their own with no other people around.  The best thing was that weather was so clear that we were able to reach Point Lenana directly from the Simba Col and so we didn’t have to get up very early in the morning for the usual climb from Shipton’s Camp.  We were the only people at the top which was very special.

The most important things for me are that that my clients are happy and healthy, so as anyone who knows about trekking at altitude know, we have to walk slowly….polepole…..and if we do that, then usually everyone enjoys themselves.

The other thing which I now do is collect rubbish as I’m walking.  There is not too much but some times there is quite a bit, and many of the clients really appreciate that I want the mountain to look its best.

The main thing that I enjoy as a guide on the mountain is showing people the amazing plants, particularly the giant groundsels and lobelias.  We may not always see animals but we do see their tracks and their dung.  Once I followed hyena tracks all along the trail from Liki North to the junction of the path to Shipton’s.  I am good at spotting and I have found chameleons many times.

Although I have never climbed Kili, all my friends who have been there say that it is not as beautiful as Mount Kenya, so I hope more people will come to our mountain and see it for themselves.

Mount Kenya Special Offer Taster trip

Experience high altitude trekking with great views of the peaks.

Two nights at Old Moses camp: Ksh15,500 per person based on two people travelling, excluding park fees ($150 for non residents and Ksh2,700 for residents).

Price includes return transport from Nanyuki to the Sirimon Park Gate, your team of Guide, Cook and porter, bunkhouse accommodation and all meals and soft drinks.  (Tusker beer is available to buy at Old Moses Camp)

Day 1:

Walk from the Sirimon Gate to Old Moses camp, with picnic lunch at Gate followed by tea and supper at the Camp.

Day 2:

Hike from Old Moses Camp to the Mackinder valley following the route to Shipton’s Camp, and then take the path to the Liki North valley and hike back to Old Moses.

This is an exhilarating day’s hike taking around 7 hours, but well worth it for the spectacular scenery.

Day 3:

Walk down from Old Moses to the Park Gate and return to Nanyuki.

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