Having It ‘Easy’ on the Wandare Trek to Mt Satima

Having It ‘Easy’ on the Wandare Trek to Mt Satima

The Wandare trail seems to shift its mood from time to time. On some days, it will be friendly to beginners but on some, it will challenge even the most strong-willed of hikers. The Wandare Trail to Mt Satima is a hiking trail that does not coddle you. It is the training wheel that gives you an accurate presentation of what hiking up a mountain is really like. It does not do this without putting you off mountain climbing all together. 

Key Attractions

• The Wandare Trail is not popular with hiking groups in Kenya, but it is still worth a weekend hiking trip. 
• It starts with a drive through clusters of bamboo forests to get to the foot of the mountain. Being in a forest is fun and adventurous, but being in a forest of bamboo trees inspires joy and a sense of whimsy. Then it comes time to hitch off the wagon and walk. 
• You will walk through a beautiful grassland as you take in the landscape. 
• Then you will get to climb through rock formations and shrubs to the Oldoinyo Lesatima peak. 
• Once you get to the top, you get to wipe the sweat off your brow as you watch Central Kenya go about its business. Not that you could discern any activity from 4001m above sea level but it sure is fun to imagine what people down in the villages are doing. 

Challenge Level

The Wandare Trail is a highly challenging trail. Mountain climbing on Mt Satima through the Wandare Trail is one of those hiking trails that knows your limits. That said, you should still be fit enough to get through the hike. Do some research and find out how you can prepare. Good thing is that after Mt Satima, you will be ready for a more challenging hike. Or, you can find other beginner friendly hiking trails to go on with other Let’s Drift members.

Logistics

The central meeting point is on the benches near Bata Hilton Nairobi CBD. From there, we head out to Wandare. The journey to the starting point is a little over four hours long.

 The trail is also self-drive friendly in case you don’t want to take public transport.

What do you need for the trail?

1. Waterproof hiking shoes
2. Hiking Backpack
3. Leg gaiters
4. Hiking pants
5. 3L water (bring a reusable water bottle or a hydration pack)
6. T-shirt (long sleeve polyester or/and thermal T-shirt)
7. Fleece Jacket and a shell jacket (or a poncho for the Shell)
8. Gloves (warm and waterproof)
9. Hiking buff or scarf
10. Sunglasses, sunscreen, sun protection
11. Hat; Marvin, fleece hat, a wide-brimmed hat, etc.
12. Polyester socks (+ an extra pair or two in your backpack)
13. Trekking pole
14. Snacks (sandwich, trail mix (nuts), fruit salad, energy drink, warm beverage, biscuits, etc.)
15. Personal items (ID, pocket money, hand sanitizer, facemask, phone, camera, Lighter, Pocket Knife, First aid Kit)
16. Headlamp
17. Change of clothes and shoes in case you get wet or muddy.

Here’s a list of resources for hiking gear you can check out.

Hiking Gear Vendors – Lets Drift 

Can you bring your kids with you?

Yes. The Mt Satima trek through Wandare is a child-friendly trail for children above 10 years. It’s a moderate to difficult hike where you can bring your family with you for a fun-filled weekend.

Now that you know about Wandare, we hope to see you on the trails!

Similar trails

For forest lovers and mountain climbing buffs, similar trails to Wandare are: 

Mt Satima through the Shamata Gate and Kinale Forest