Mount Kenya has always held a special allure for me, and I knew I needed to start with a day hike to prepare myself for the ultimate challenge of conquering Mount Kenya’s Lenana Summit. Unfortunately, our regular gym instructor, who organizes our hikes, fell ill. Luckily, I stumbled upon Mamba Hikers’ poster advertising the Liki North Station Trail Hike, which promised a difficult yet exhilarating experience and decided to go for it!

Finding the Perfect Hiking Buddy

Filled with excitement, I convinced some of my gym buddies to join me, and luckily, Patrick, a seasoned hiker (a Subaru per excellence), said yes! Patrick’s enthusiasm, kindness, and excellent photography skills added an extra spark to our adventure. He even surprised me with chocolates and apples – a gesture that made him the perfect hiking companion.

An Early Start and a Nourishing Break

We set out for Nanyuki before dawn, and my habit of carrying packed food from home came in handy as I enjoyed my Githeri and cappuccino during our bathroom break. Once at the Mount Kenya National Park Sirimon Gate, we submitted our identification documents (a mandatory requirement for Mount Kenya Trails) before proceeding to the starting point at Old Moses Camp, approximately 9 kilometers away on a well-tarmacked road.

The Ascent to Liki North Station

With a 2:00 PM turnaround time, I was determined to reach Liki North Station. The Liki North Station trail day hike spans about 15 kilometers in total (to the station and back to Old Moses Camp) with a continuous ascent of about 4.5 kilometers. The trail is well-curved but unmarked. We were to initially summit at the Liki North View Point, but it didn’t quite fulfill our expectations. Undeterred, we decided to hike for another hour, finally reaching the Liki North Station. Our guide warned that this route to Lenana Peak would be a challenging one as it gets very tough after the Liki North Station! I aspire to conquer this route someday.

Camaraderie and Self-Reflection

The hike turned out to be easier than expected, but the camaraderie among fellow hikers made it truly unforgettable. Everyone else apart from Patrick was a stranger, but the journey turned us into great acquaintances. Laughter filled the air, and we bonded like old friends. Their encouragement even led me to adjust my squatting technique to improve my ascending stamina.

My hiking journey has made me appreciate that the true conquest lies within oneself. It’s not just about conquering mountains; it’s about conquering our own minds and bodies. From hitting the gym to adopting a healthier lifestyle, I have been pushing my limits and thriving in the mountains. Every hike brings new self-discoveries and an opportunity to become a better version of myself.

A Comical Mishap

I experienced an unexpected and rather comical mishap. My right leg’s hiking boot hooks somehow got entangled with the laces of my left leg, causing me to lose my balance and tumble down with force. The impact was so intense that, for a moment, I thought there might be an earthquake! Thankfully, I escaped with only a minor skin injury on my right palm. My fellow hikers were amazed at how I managed to get into such a predicament. Some even jokingly asked if I walked with my legs together. However, the truth is that sections of the trail were narrow, making it challenging to navigate without keeping my legs close together. Despite the fall, I brushed it off as a humorous part of the adventure and continued with renewed determination.

Looking Ahead

This hike marked the fourth of my 12 planned hikes for the year, and I am eager for the next challenge in the Aberdare Ranges. I have come to appreciate that mountains remain unchanged; it is us who must conquer our own limitations to fully thrive in their presence.

Side Note: The Liki North Station trail is ideal for beginners!

Thank you and see you on the next adventure!