15/05/2023
I have ticked many peaks since July of 2022, Ngong being the most visited by me: Saturday marked the fourth time, and for the first time went all the way to Kona Baridi and back.
Every mountaineer has that one mountain that becomes their playground. The one you can just wake up on a random Saturday and just go without any preamble. It has to be easily accessible distance-wise: I believe Ngong is my playground, and what an awesome playground it is.
Saturday wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t painful either. 24km of constant elevation and descending will wear down anyone. Coming back was hardest, not because we were tired, but also because we were, but primarily because of the the first hill from Kona Baridi - it’s loooooong, and very steep. It was the first hill I took a break. Second was quite challenging, but way better. The other side of Ngong Hills is where you find the grave of Paramount Chief Olembatian, who died in 1911. We had a sit down there for a moment.
Then it got easier. So much so, that for once, Mwaniki and I half-ran downhill. It was quite an achievement too, because every great mountaineer I know has reiterated that it is easier to run downhill, throw enough caution to the wind. When you are too careful, too conscious, you tense up and mess up.
The thing about Ngong Hills is people mistaking it for an easy climb. It should be, but only if you are looking at the altitude, only 2,460. What however, should be considered, is that it has 7 hills, and before you start on the first hill is an elevation of about 3km. For most beginners, the first shock happens when they get to the first hill, and realise that they haven’t even started. I remember my first time, when we got to hill number two and we asked a Maasai man how far we had to go, and he told us ‘hiyo mmefanya ilikuwa warm-up. Kazi iko mbele’! Wueh! I nearly turned back!
Ngong is full of rookies, young blood (especially) running up (do not run up any hill, unless you have trained for that like kina Limo Kipkemoi. Or you were born there). They run, because they think it’s a competition and all they are doing to trying to catch up with the human ahead, and then they will give you this (you old person look) as they overtake you, you will give them ‘you foolish person’ look, because you know you will catch up, and they shall watch your behind disappear into the mountains as they wonder how you can do that at your advanced age! Do not run up the mountains. Do not compete. Mountaineering must never be a competition against other people.
Another rookie mistake is people not carrying water with them, and you have to be ready to keep giving first aid and hydrating near comatose people with your precious water. We had to do that two times on Saturday! Water is LIFE! Water, and snacks to replenish your energy. Carry sweets, biscuits and nuts. Munch on them once in a while. The one good thing about Ngong is, the Maasai who reside there have seen a business opportunity and they sell water and biscuits along the way. Please carry water - not less than two liters.
Cover yourselves. The mountains, no matter the altitude, always have harsh weather. I personally don’t use sunscreen but that’s out of choice. What I do is cover every part of my body, including hands. If I uncover, it’s for a couple of minutes. You will get sun burns, you will dehydrate faster, you will get headaches from hell.
Saturday was quite special - for the first time, bedmate and I hiked alone. The photos actually tell a bit of a single story. - mine. It was also awesome to see the hills cleaner, and to meet some young people collecting rubbish. Take your rubbish with you, please. It was also greener than I have ever seen it - we thank Mwene Nyaga for the rains!
For anyone intent on becoming a serious mountaineer, you might not get better than Ngong Hills for physical preparation. It may not train your brain on dealing with high altitude, but your physical form will be awesome.
*****
I am climbing the seven highest peaks of Afrika, for mental health awareness with Tunza_Afya_Africa and Ascent to Wellness
