Hiking For a Worthy Cause|Rotary Club of Ngong Hills and Rotary Club of Kikuyu
The Rotary Club of Ngong Hills has initiated an afforestation campaign on the Ngong Hills Forest. The ‘Save the Ngong Hills Forest Campaign’ seeks to increase the forest cover at the forest and support fencing efforts. A walk and hike for trees, health, and fun initiative is aimed at raising funds to support the afforestation campaign.
The chilly Saturday morning didn’t seem to have dampened the spirits of the family and friends of Rotary gathered at the Wida Highway Motel, Kikuyu on their mission to hike and conquer Mt. Longonot. The Rotary Clubs of Ngong Hills and Kikuyu had jointly organized the hike as part of the monthly walk and hike for trees, health, and fun initiative. The participants were drawn from the Rotary Clubs of Ngong Hills, Kikuyu, Nairobi North, Nairobi Industrial Area, Langata, and Ruiru.
At half-past seven in the morning, the team set-off. But not without some words of wisdom from those that have been on Mt Longonot before.
“This is an exciting opportunity to keep fit. But you need to know yourself and your limits. In some sections, some of you will need some pushing. In other areas, you’ll need to be pulled. Know when to stop,’’ said Rotarian Dr. Stanley Mwangi, Sergeant at Arms, Rotary Club of Kikuyu.
The 65 kilometers drive to Mt. Longonot was soon over. Before us was Mt. Longonot in all her beauty and splendor daring our resolve to conquer her. Our numbers had increased from twenty-five to forty-five. We began our climb a few minutes past nine. The rough terrain and gulleys tested our endurance and fitness levels.
We largely passed the test, albeit with some sore muscles that served as a timely reminder of our purpose-to plant as many trees as possible on the Ngong Hills forest. Eventually, we got to the summit. None of us had dropped-off. But very few of us had the energy to cover the 7.2 kilometers around the mountain’s caldera.
There’s something that the crisp air atop the mountain does to your body. Despite the fatigue, one feels rejuvenated. It’s no wonder that some of the hiking benefits include lowering the risk of heart disease; improving blood pressure and blood sugar levels; boosting bone density, build strength in the glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and the muscles in hips and lower legs ; strengthening the core; improving balance; help in weight control and boost one’s mood.
It took most of us almost two hours to go round the caldera. In the process, new friendships were forged and collaboration opportunities mooted. This is one of the reasons behind the hike and walk activities-bringing people together for a worthy cause.
As we began our descent from the mountain, one thing was very clear in our minds. We are going all the way to Mt. Kenya! Before we get there we need to be well prepared. We will organize a series of preparatory hikes starting with Kereita Forest on September 26. We plan to summit Mt. Kenya on Jamhuri Day, December 12, 2020. Hikes on the Ngong Hills take place every two weeks, with the next one scheduled for September 4th, 2020.
The hike is open to all. You can participate in the following ways:
- Buy a Polo T-shirt @Kshs 1,000
- Sponsor a hike @ Kshs 50,000 (corporate) and Kshs 20,000 individual
- Sponsor hikers @ Kshs 10,000 per hiker
All proceeds go to the ‘Save the Ngong Hills Forest Campaign’. Make your payments to:
The Rotary Club of Ngong Hills
Paybill No: 7251235:
Account: Your Name &Trees.
For more information please contact:
The Rotary Club of Ngong Hills President John Mwangi on +254722737977.
