19-21st October : Kichwa Tembo with Ivy

Tsavo West: has varied topography and a diverse array of habitats. Most of the northern sector is Acacia-Commiphora bushland, with scattered trees such as Baobabs (Adansonia digitata) and Delonix elata. There are numerous rocky outcrops and ridges, and, towards the Chyulu Hills, ash cones and lava flows – some of them very recent (240yrs). In

the Ngulia area, a range of craggy hills reaches around 1,800m. The southern sector consists of open grassy plains (Jipe Plain).

Climbing: Kichwa tembo silhouette conspicuously in the midst of the Tsavo west, exaggerating the topography of the Park. The volcanic cones of the famous ‘five sisters’, Chaimu crater and Chaimu Hill is ideal for hikers while Kichwa Tembo will add value to seasonal mountain climbers. Magnificent Mzima springs are the ‘must visit’ point in Tsavo.

Hikes: The ‘Shetani’ lava flow, a black lava flow of 8 km long, 1.6km wide and 5m deep, is a remnant of volcanic eruptions which were subject to tales of fire and evil spirits among local communities. The communities named the flow ‘Shetani’ meaning devil in Kiswahili after it was spewed from the earth just 240 years ago. A cave with two large openings and

one ancient tree growing between them is located near the centre of the outflow.

Checkout http://www.ewpnet.com

People interested in coming will have to arrange car pooling individually Please let me know if you have space and willing to give others a lift. You will require an off-road vehicle to access the camp-site area and to move around the park. We have designated two meeting points for those that wish to car pool:

1. Capital Centre (on Mombasa Road) – just a few hundred meters from the Nyayo Stadium round about, Capital Centre car park at 12 noon on Friday 19th.

2. Tsavo West National Park main entrance – off Mombasa road, approximately 200 km south east of Nairobi.

3. GPS coordinates for MCK special camp-site will be provided to those that confirm by October 12th 2012.

Park entrance fees / guide 

Park Fees – Citizens 500/-, Residence 1,000/-, Non-residence $65/- per person per day.

Camping Fees – Special camp site – Weekly one-off fee of 7,500/- (spilt by number of people).

Plus camp fees – Citizens 300/-, Residence 500/-, Non-residence $30/- per person per day.

Ranger/guide – 3,000/- per day per each guide. Recommended group more than 5 – two rangers.

Car entrance fees – 300/- per day (6 seater and below, otherwise 1,000/- for over 6 seater.

Safari Card – to enter the park you must have a safari card or get someone with a card to load the money required to enter. It can be obtained and/or loaded at KWS HQ in Langata or at the Mtito Andei gate (best to get this sorted in Nairobi KWS HQ). Remember, proof of residency and citizenship is requirement at the Park Gate

Arrival – Friday afternoon/evening to camp site, somewhere near Kitchwa Tembo area. Intend to go out with an early start on Saturday, climbing easy routes, or go hiking towards the caves and surrounding area. Hike/climb all day with a packed lunch and only get back for sundowners and sunset. Plan is to leave Tsavo Sunday after late breakfast sometime.

Water – You should be self sufficient to cater for yourselves, including drinking and washing water. Enough to support for number of days you intend to stay.

Food – As above.

Gear – For those climbing, if you do not have your own climbing rack/gear, you can hire out climbing gear from the club house on club night (Tuesday) through Catherine (MCK caretaker). For those hiking – please ensure you bring good hiking boots, a ‘panga’ to possibly slash your way through the thick bush, head lamp/head covering if you want to do some cave explorations, a day pack for your lunch, snacks, water, sun screen, cameras, etc. We will have to create a common area

for washing/shower/toilet in order to reduce a footprint in the area.