Kenya
Introduction to the Kenya expedition |
 |
| Kenya is a country of striking contrasts and spectacular landscapes. A melting pot of cultural diversity, it straddles the equator and is bordered by Sudan and Ethiopia to the north, Uganda and Lake Victoria to the west, Tanzania to the south and Somalia and the beautiful coastline of the Indian Ocean to the east. Kenya has virtually every type of climate within its borders, from the searing heat of the northern Rift Valley and tropical humidity along the coast, to colder, snowy conditions at high altitude on Mount Kenya. Terrain includes desert, mountain, highland and savannah, with long white sandy beaches fringed with tropical palms and coral reefs on the coast. A rich cultural diversity includes over 40 different resident tribes such as the Samburu and Maasai. Kenya is also home to some of the most abundant and varied wildlife in the world. |  |
 |
|
This is an ideal destination for teams looking for a broad variety of experiences, from the physical challenge of high mountains and the pre-historic splendour of the Rift Valley, to incredibly rewarding community projects, an abundance of game parks and beautiful coastline.
 |
 |
 |
Acclimatisation
Rift Valley
Many of the lake areas along the Rift Valley, such as Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru, offer wonderful possibilities for trekking and provide the opportunity to view Africa's renowned animal and bird life close at hand. Options might include exploring Hell's Gate, Longonot and Lake Nakuru National Parks and the Kigio Wildlife Conservancy, whilst also climbing either Mount Longonot (2886m) or the Menengai Crater (2490m), both dormant volcanoes.
Some possible expedition objectives are given below, please note these may alter between now and your expedition. The Expedition Program Manager for Kenya will agree a suitable expedition itinerary for you, to best match the abilities and aspirations of your team.
Main Trekking Phase
Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya, which lies directly on the equator, is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second highest mountain in Africa after Kilimanjaro. It is a starkly beautiful mountain with its magnificent cliffs and glaciers, tarns and alpine meadows. It also boasts a huge variety of fauna and flora; exotic, equatorial and high-altitude vegetation, sunbirds, hyrax and soaring eagles. Climbing up to Point Lenana, the trekking summit and third highest peak of Mt Kenya at 4,985m, is a demanding trek which should not be underestimated, taking teams a minimum of 4 days to complete.
Mount Elgon
Mount Elgon, lying 140km north-east of Lake Victoria, is bisected by the Kenya-Uganda border and is Kenya's second highest mountain. It is an ancient eroded volcano with a huge caldera and, on its summit, a spectacular flat-topped basalt column. Koitoboss Peak (4,187m) is the highest peak on the Kenyan side. The mountain offers an excellent challenge for those with limited mountaineering expertise, yet is much more remote, less touristy and offers more in the way of fauna and flora than Mount Kenya. Another unique feature of the mountain are the lava tube caves, some over 60m wide and frequented by elephants renowned for their habit of digging salt.
Projects
The majority of projects in Kenya are community based and involve taking part in construction and renovation projects in primary and secondary schools or care homes for disadvantaged children. Challengers often become totally immersed in a very friendly African community, assisting with some informal English teaching and playing sports with local children. There are also possible projects involving conservation work.
Rest and Relaxation
Kenya's coast offers a host of idyllic beach resorts and activities. The team could take an overnight train to Mombasa and then spend a couple of days relaxing on a beautiful beach, swimming and snorkeling in the tropical waters and sampling the local fresh fruits and exotic fish. There is also the opportunity to spend a day white water rafting on the Tana River, although this would incur an additional cost.
Find out more
T +61 (0) 395 317 780 - Australia
T 0800 456 134 - New Zealand
T (852) 8170 3646 - Hong Kong
E support@worldchallenge.com.au
