About Us
Kenya Hiking and Trekking Safaris
Guiding You Through Nature’s Finest in East Africa With Expertly Crafted Treks and Trails
Who We Are
Embark on the Ultimate Adventure with East Afrika Hiking & Trekking!
Welcome to East Afrika Hiking & Trekking, your trusted partner in exploring the breathtaking mountains and landscapes of East Africa, including Ethiopia.
Based in Nairobi, our team of professional mountain guides and safari driver guides brings over 10 years of expertise, ensuring safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable adventures. We are passionate about offering the best hiking and trekking experiences to thrill-seekers like you.
From summiting majestic peaks to discovering rich wildlife in game parks, we ensure every journey is sustainable, leaving no trace behind. Choose East Afrika Hiking & Trekking for a true African adventure, where smiles and unforgettable memories await!
Mission
To provide safe, sustainable, and unforgettable hiking and trekking experiences across East Africa, empowering adventurers to explore and conquer nature's wonders.
Vision
To be the leading hiking and trekking operator in East Africa, renowned for exceptional service, sustainability, and life-changing adventures.
Checks & FAQs
How Much Does It Cost?
Kindly resist the temptation of selecting an operator solely based on the cost!
Cost should be only one component in your overall decision. Prices vary significantly between operators as well as in the duration of the climb. Do not come all the way to the mountain just to discover other hidden charges lying in wait.
At Hiking and Trekking in East Afrika, we offer quality climbs at reasonable rates. Our prices are a great value from about $130 per day per climber, excluding tips. At this price level, we can satisfy all park fees, pay decent wages to staff, and supply fresh and adequate food as well as equipment, while still maintaining great service to our clients.
When are the Best Months?
The best times to climb Mt Kenya and Kilimanjaro tend to be the warmest and driest months – January, February, and September. June, July, and August are also good months. However, temperatures and weather are quite unpredictable, and can change drastically based on the time of day and altitude. It’s best to avoid the long rainy season, from the end of March to early June, and the short rainy season, from November through the beginning of December.
Which Route should I take?
Each route has different characteristics which may or may not appeal to you. However, to get the most out of your trek, consider the difficulty, scenery and traffic when you select your route. Other factors that should be considered are your age, fitness level, medical conditions, backpacking and hiking experience, experience at high altitude, degree of motivation, and any other special considerations. We recommend the Timau, Sirimon and Chogoria routes for Mt Kenya while Lemosho,Machame and Rongai go for Kilimanjaro. For Rwenzori and other mountains, the options are limited. Please kindly consider your guide's advice regarding this.
How Many Days do I Need?
There are minimum days recommended for each route or combination of routes. The more days you spend on the mountain, the better your chances for successfully reaching the summit. Statistics show that each additional day you spend acclimatizing increases your probability of success. Do not book the minimum number of days. Chances are, you will not enjoy your climb nor will you reach the top. Again, the guide's advice will come in handy.
Should I Join a Group?
A private, small-party climb is the way to go. Naturally, a small – party climb ensures individualized attention, added flexibility and increased safety. Most climb operators run large group departures. Once they add the support staff, a “small” group of climbers becomes a crowd! That’s hardly the way to enjoy the mountain.
What Do I Need For the Climb?
Follow the gear list and resist the temptation to bring more. You won't need it and it is just extra weight that you or the porters must carry. Upon completion of the climb, you'll be surprised to realize that what you needed is not that much anyway. Try to limit all of your gear to less than 40 lbs. It can be done.
What about Altitude Sickness.
Altitude sickness is potentially fatal. However, most climbers will get some form of mild acute mountain sickness (AMS) while on the mountain. Our guide will monitor you closely during the duration of your climb. However, you should be aware of the symptoms of mild, moderate and severe AMS, and you must inform your guide of any symptoms immediately. Never try to hide your symptoms in order to continue climbing. There is always the possibility that the impact of AMS will ultimately sabotage your summit attempt.
What Do I Need Before I Arrive?
Not many people have been to such high altitudes before. Therefore, climbers should have a medical check prior to attempting to climb Mt Kenya and Kilimanjaro. Consult your health-care provider to determine which immunizations and medications to obtain for your travels to East Africa. A valid passport, six months prior to the expiration, is required for entry into East Africa. Most travelers will need a visa to enter this region. Climbers should also obtain travel insurance that covers trip cancellation.
Essential Gear List
Clothing
Clothing impacts not only your comfort but also your safety. Always be critical of the quality and the proper fit of your clothing. Cotton clothing must be avoided because it dries very slowly and is a poor insulator when wet. Instead, choose wool or synthetic fabrics that “wick” the sweat and moisture away from your skin.
We recommend a four-layer clothing system.
Base Layer
Manages moisture and keeps perspiration away from your skin. (Polypro, capilene, driclime)
Soft Shell
Should be a durable, comfortable, insulating and wind/water resistant layer that breathes well. The main Softshell fabrics are Polartec Wind Pro, Gore Windstopper N2S, Schoeller; each clothing manufacturer has their own. 200 weight fleeces can be substituted for our Softshell recommendations but is not as versatile with how it may be used when layering.
Hard Shell
Wind-proof, water-proof and breathable. (eg. Gore-Tex, or similar)
Insulating Layer
should be down-fill or synthetic-fill and fit over all layers. (e.g. down, primaloft or polarguard) These four layers are usually sufficient for most people, but if you tend to be colder, bring one extra medium-layer that would be ideal for extra warmth around camp, such as a vest. When deciding what to pack, remember to bring enough clothes and accessories to ensure your safety and comfort, while not over-burdening yourself with items you probably won’t use.
Sleeping Gear
4 season sleeping bag and a liner: night-time temperatures can be as low as -10 degrees c so bring a warm bag.
Sleeping pad: full-length Therma-Rest or equivalent.
Head and Face
Fleece or wool hat: it must cover the ears
Shade hat: a visor hat with a good brim is essential for protection from the equatorial sun
Bandanas: various uses – cleaning glasses, sun protection when tied around the neck, etc.
Sunglasses or Glacier glasses: essential eye protection whether in the tropics, at high altitudes or by the water.
Upper Body
T-shirts: two t-shirts that will get dirty; Patagonia capilene is best. No cotton.
Long underwear top: one medium weight and one heavyweight long sleeve Patagonia capilene, pull-over is best.
Fleece or soft-shell Jacket: This is what you will be wearing while hiking at higher altitudes or while around at camps at lower altitude. These jackets should be full-zip and accessible. Call for more details on “Soft-shell”.
Gore-Tex Parka: a good parka made of Gortex or waterproof nylon that has been seam sealed. Afternoon showers are common in East Africa.
Down or Synthetic Jacket: This layer is to keep you warm, especially at those higher altitudes. the Patagonia Puffball Jacket is perfect for this trek.
Fleece Glove: a lightweight glove to use while trekking and hanging around camp
Shell Gloves: A shell system of a fleece liner and waterproof shell that handles cold. Brands such as “OR” make a shell system that can be bought together.
Lower Body
Undergarments: adequate supply for the entire climb
Hiking shorts: one pair of quick-drying shorts; good for hiking at lower elevations on the mountain
Long underwear or tights: These can be worn under heavier layers on colder days or worn by themselves on warmer days, which are why tights are good.
Soft Shell Pants: soft-shell pants are water resistant, yet highly breathable and durable. Great for colder conditions over a pair of long underwear or tights. Patagonia guide pants are a great brand.
Gore-Tex Pants: a lightweight pair of pants to keep you dry when raining or snowing hard. Full-zips are convenient.
Feet
Thin socks: two pair of polypropylene socks to wear under heavy wool socks; help prevent blisters and keep feet dry
Thick socks: two pair of heavy wool or polypropylene socks, medium to heavyweight.
Hiking boots: one pair light to medium weight hiking boots large enough to be comfortable with one thin and one heavy sock. (Use tried and tested boots to avoid blisters and take a good supply of Compeed blister plasters)
Gaiters: one pair of gaiters made of breathable material; keeps dirt and mud out of boots. OR Crocs are great.
Tennis shoes or sandals: to wear in camp after a day of hiking
Personal Health
Toiletries: toothbrush and paste, comb, tampons, biodegradable soap (small amt.), etc.
Sunscreen: bring plenty of sun block with SPF of 15 or more. It’s easy to underestimate the amount necessary for equatorial sun protection.
Lip balm: must have SPF rating of 15 or more
Ear plugs: to block out snoring and other noise to ensure a good night’s sleep Flashlight and/or headlamp: bring extra batteries
Personal first aid and drug kit
Towel: for wash up in camp
Towelettes: individually wrapped anti-bacterial towels are great for general hygiene
Spare contacts or glasses: contacts can be a problem in dusty conditions; glasses wearers should have a spare set
Water
Water bottles: two one-quart, wide-mouthed plastic bottles. If you use a collapsible water bottle or hydration system you are welcome to bring it along for drinking water. No PET plastic bottles are allowed on Mount Kenya. Bring aluminum or Nalgene-type bottles for water. Camelbacks are handy as well, but water will freeze especially on summit night so you will need bottles. You will need to drink at least 3 liters of water per day.
Water treatment tablets: one small bottle of Potable Agua or Polar Pure crystal iodine; purifies drinking water while on the trek.
Water flavoring: powdered additives like Tang, Gatoraid and Wyler’s lemonade make treated water taste better.
Other Essentials
Adjustable ski poles
Umbrella (optional): protection from rain and sun; compact and light weight Portable chair: (optional): Therma-rest and Crazy Creek both make light-weight, comfortable portable chairs.
Snacks: (optional): if there is something you particularly like to eat while hiking, bring some along. You will be fed well throughout the trip, so this is just something extra.
Plastic sandwich bags: keeps personal items separate and dry
Carrying Gear
Day Pack: with padded shoulder straps and waist belt; used for carrying personal gear such as water bottle, extra clothing, snacks, camera, etc. Individual loads will be between 10 and 20 pounds. A climbing pack with a volume between 25-30 liters serves most people needs well.
Large Backpack: gear will be kept in it and will be carried by the porters. Limit loads to items on the equipment list. Your large Backpack cannot exceed 22 lbs. Approx: 28″x16″x16″ No wheels or hard sides, please.
Medium duffel bag: to store your non-mountain gear; this will be stored at the hotel, to be used after the climb and will be brought to your hotel.
Baggage tags: makes identifying your bags easy at the airports or hotels
Plastic bags: sleeping bag and clothes will be double-bagged while on the mountain for protection from afternoon rains. Heavy-duty garbage bags work great and can store dirty or wet clothes as well.
Game Viewing
Binoculars: essential for game-viewing; 7×20 to 10×40 recommended (magnification x field of view).