THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HIKING MOUNT SATIMA
Aberdare Ranges is a destination that cannot be explored in a day. You will need to plan yourself well to fully explore this forest to the fullest. For you to have a full adventure you need to visit the forest in sections.
Mount Satima has two gate entrances, the Rhino Shamata Gate in Nyandarua and the Wandare gate through Nyeri, Mweiga.
Mount Satima is the third highest mountain after Mount Kenya at 17,057ft which is the highest mountain in Kenya and second highest in Africa. Mount Elgon comes second highest mountain in Kenya at 14,177ft then Mount Satima at 13,127ft above sea level.
Mount Satima is located on the northern end of Aberdare and Eastern of the Great Rift Valley. It is the highest part of the Aberdare mountain range in Aberdare National Park.
MOUNT SATIMA HIKE
Mount Satima has two entry points that you can use: the Shamata Gate and the Wandare Gate. The Wandare gate trail is gentler than the Shamata gate trail.
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The Shamata gate trail
The trail, which is approximately 8.5km, starts off on a flat easy to trek trail through moorland vegetation with beautiful flowers. The trail starts at an altitude of approximately 3400m. From the entrance to the Twins Rocks which is the starting point it is a drive away. There are no tall trees in this trail therefore no shade from the sun.
The trail hardens as you hike up. After the twin rock getting to the dragon-shaped rocks you will have to pass through a trail covered in bogs. This is a wetland of soft spongy ground consisting mainly of partially decayed plant matter called peat.
Come prepared to trek this trail to have a closer view of the dragon-shaped rocks. You will need good waterproof high boots to conquer this trail. During the wet season, the trail tends to be muddy but manageable.
As you climb up the trail you will realize some changes in your body like headache or your chest filling up. Do not panic this is normal because as you climb up the air reduces due to the change in altitude. If you have health conditions, especially lung-related health conditions, hiking this mountain is not advisable for you.
This trail is not beginner friendly, therefore you will need to have experience in hiking for you to hike this mountain. You ought to have hiked one or two mountains before embarking on this hike.
Getting at the summit is the goal of everyone and the biggest achievement you possibly could have made this year. Very fulfilling and exciting.
The Wandare Gate entrance trail.
The experience in this trail is different from the shamata and gentler compared to the Shamata gate trail. You can enter through this gate from Nyeri.
The Aberdare Ranges and the Aberdare Forest have been experiencing fire in some parts of it. Therefore you will realize that the vegetation is beginning to heal from the fire. The grassland vegetation is coming out and some flowers are popping out here and there that are very beautiful.
The trail on this trail despite being gentler is steep but manageable. A beginner with a lot of resilience, stamina and patience can be able to conquer the mountain from this trail.
The trail will leave you feeling revived, with a breathtaking view of the surroundings and the goal of reaching the summit. The fulfillment one gets after achieving the goal is a therapy on its own.
From the summit of Mount Satima, you can have a breathtaking view of the Rift Valley, the Aberdare Ranges peaks like the elephant hills, and on a clear day, Lake Naivasha and Mount Kenya.
Mount Satima is very scenic. From the shapes of the rocks to the landscape and the escarpments, hills and vegetation are just breathtaking.
MOUNT SATIMA HIKE DIFFICULTY
Using the Shamata gate the trail mainly consists of bogs and moorland. There using this trail will need you to equip yourself with high waterproof boots since the trail sinks into the peat. If you wear normal sport shoes you will leave the mountain a mess.
During the wet season, it is even worse the trail becomes muddy and difficult to trek. Be ready to get into sticky mud.
Before you get into this hike there are some preparations you will need to make;
- Plan yourself by exercising more on activities like running, cycling, and swimming 2-3 weeks before the hike. To practice your aerobics.
- You should drink a lot of water 1 week before the hiking day. This is to ensure your body has enough water in preparation for the hike.
- A day before the hike take enough rest from your exercises and a good night sleep.
- If you are on a diet with intermediate fasting, you will have to give it a break and eat a heavy balanced meal. This will help you to have enough energy during the hike. A Lot of energy is required when going up the mountain.
- Eat a good balanced heavy breakfast 3 hours before the hike. This will enable enough food digestion such that by the time you start your hike you will be fit. This will also help you not to develop bloating and discomfort as you hike up the mountain.
On the level of fitness, you will need to be extremely fit to embark on this hike. You will need to be in very good shape in terms of health without any health complications to conquer the hike.
MOUNT SATIMA DIRECTIONS
From Nairobi, you can use the Nairobi-Naivasha- Gilgil, then Nyahururu. Shamata gate is 4 miles from Nyahururu. From Nakuru town, you can use the route through Ol Kalou, Nyandarua to Shamata gate which is approximately 59.9km.
From Nairobi, you can also take the A104 highway towards Nyeri and then follow the signs towards the Aberdare National Park.
When using public transport, you can take a matatu or bus going from Nairobi-Nyahururu, then take a cab to the entrance from where the public transport will end.
For a safe convenient journey to Mount Satima you can book our group transport option. We offer the best safe, guided and fun tour. No need to struggle on how to get to your travel destination, we got you.
MOUNT SATIMA WEATHER
Mount Satima experiences the wet seasons in two forms: the long rains and the short rains. The long rains are from April to June and the short rains November to the beginning of december. During this period the trails on Mount Satima are slippery and very muddy.
Mount Satima experiences the dry seasons from January to March and July to October. During this period despite being the dry period little rain can be experienced.
The mountain weather tends to vary with time. Therefore I recommend you dress up and carry essentials to cater for any emergency. You should wear light shirts and parts and carry with you waterproof jacket and pants just to be safe and ready for any weather.
It is more advisable to hike during the dry season to have an easy time mountain climbing. Reaching the top is the goal. The right weather conditions will make that dream a reality for you or hard.
CAMPING AT MOUNT SATIMA.
There are several campsites around Mount Satima and the Aberdare forest as a whole. You cannot fail to spend two or three days fully exploring Mount Satimal due to lack of accommodation.
Here are some of the campsites you can consider;
This is a public campsite located a few kilometers from Kiandogoro gate, an entrance to Aberdare Forest near Naivasha. It offers the best site to camp and very scenic views just for you. You can easily access Mount Satima from here.
- Honi Campsite
It is located in the Aberdare National Park, 11.3km from the Wandare gate. It is a public campsite and can accommodate 40 people.
- Shamata campsite
It is located in Aberdare National Park. It is a public campsite and can accommodate 40 people.
- Bill Woodley campsiteÂ
It is 2.4 km from Shamata gate, it is a public campsite with a capacity of 40 people.
All the campsites near Mount Satima and inside Aberdare Ranges offer you amenities like toiletries and washrooms. All the other amenities you will be required to carry yours or rent in the nearby town.
The Wildlife Service guide manages and offers security to the camps.
WATERFALLS NEAR MOUNT SATIMA.
- Chania waterfall
It is located near Thika along the Nyeri highway.
- Karuru Falls
It is located in the Aberdare Ranges 22.9 km from Mount Satima.
- Gura fallÂ
It is located opposite Karuru falls, in the aberdare ranges.
Karuru and Gura Falls are easily accessible when using the Shamata gate. There one can easily visit it when visiting Mount Satima. Chania Falls are easily accessible when using the Wandare gate which is along Nyeri.
THINGS TO DO AT MOUNT SATIMA
- Game viewing
There are several wildlife found in Mount Satima. On your way to the starting point of the hike, using the Shamata Gate you will not miss to see the buffalos.
The grassland vegetation around the mountain is a home to zebras,waterbucks and warthogs. Apart from mountain climbing you see this wildlife.
- Photography
Reaching the summit of the Mountain is a big goal that you must capture. You can also take pictures near the sign board and around the summit.
On your way up the mountain you can create memories to remember. You can also create evidence that you went through the struggle of climbing the mountain. Photography is the main agenda at the summit of the mountain.
- Mountain climbing
This is the main activity to do here. Come here prepared with enough water, snacks and flexible attire.
ACCOMMODATION NEAR MOUNT SATIMA
- Lalanasi Lodge and Tented Camp is a lodge with a river view. It is located in Ndaragwa and has a shared kitchen, restaurant, bar,garden, sun terrace and play ground.
- Tafaria castle and center for the arts. It is located 65 km from Nyeri towards Nyahururu. It is a laid back resort with dining and a pool. It is in a rural area on a hill. Therefore the views are amazing. It is next to the scenic Aberdare ranges overlooking the Laikipia plains and Mount Kenya.
- Ark Lodge is located in the aberdare National Park in Nyeri. It is built on a tilt overlooking a waterwhole and a salt lick.
- Treetop Lodge in Aberdare range 10 miles from the township of Nyeri. It lies in the path of an ancient elephant migratory route between Aberdare Ranges and Mount Kenya National Park.
Another adventure to explore and enjoy. Book with us as we go on an adventure like no other.