Dr. Ritu Verma, an anthropologist who has carried out research in Kenya, Madagascar and other parts of Africa, and long time supporter of the Mountain Club of Kenya, will be presenting a slideshow on the Annapurna Base Camp trek.  Nepal is the ultimate destination for trekking and mountaineering in the world.  Straddling the highest peaks of the Himalayas, it is one of the most stunning destinations for exploring mountains, culture, diversity of people, and spirituality.  Photographic highlights will include the ABC trek, awesome 360 view of eight-thousanders at base camp, and other mountain and cultural highlights from Nepal and the Himalayas.  Ritu currently lives in Kathmandu and works for the international centre for integrated mountain development, and an IGO covering the 8 countries of the Himalayas focusing on mountain development issues

As usual there will be supper buffet for 25pax (first come first served). Members 700/=, Non Members 800/=

BeanSalad

Chicken Dilruba Curry

Coconut Fish Tawa

Veg Tawa

Corn Curry (Veg)

Assorted Naans

Jeera Rice

Ras Malai (Dessert)

Main group departure afternoon of May 30th

This is a flexible, multi-purpose trip. The basic idea is to enter through the Naro Moru Gate and camp at

the Met Station on the night of the 30th. We will hike up to Mackinder’s on Friday and stay Friday and

Saturday nights, coming down on Sunday morning. To camp at the Met Station, you will need to reach the

gate by 6 PM on the 30th. Saturday is a free day and parties can set their own objective. The club did this

about 5 years ago and we had a nice group of about 20 people on the mountain pursuing their own

interest or goals appropriate to their experience level.

Other options are to drive up very early on the 31st and hike to Mackinder’s in one day. For most, this is a

seven-hour hike, so plan accordingly. A better option might be to arrive on the evening of the 30th to Naro

Moru town, spend the night in a local hotel and then enter the park first thing on the morning of the 31st.

Hiking alone is not permitted, so need to be at least in pairs. If you are using porters, they can act as your

partner and know the trial as well.

People new to Mt Kenya will probably prefer to climbing Pt Lenana. This is a hiking trip that usually

leaves early in the morning to be at the top of Lenana for the sunrise. Others may wish to hike to other

destinations or go climbing. Day hikes to Hut tarn and other points are possible.

The cost for park entry is for a four day package which KWS website indicates is 2000 KSH for citizens

and 3500 KSH for residents. Non-residents pay 220 USD. Park fees are posted at the page listed below:

http://www.kws.org/export/sites/kws/tourism/downloads/Conservation_Fees_Jan-_Dec_2012.pdf

The MCK hut is free for members (non-members 400.00 per day), but this will probably be full. You

should plan to stay at Mackinder’s or to camp. I believe the current price for Mackinder’s Camp is 1200

KSH per night.

We can arrange porters to carry gear to Mackinder’s camp. These usually cost 1000 KSH per day. If you

wish to have a porter please contact me and I will arrange for porters for the group with Hiram. Hiking

guides can also be requested from Hiram through me. The club is not planning to have a ‘designated

leader’ for the hike to Point Lenana, but one may volunteer as the date approaches.

Mount Kenya is a high altitude environment and discomfort due to high altitude (head aches, vomiting,

etc.) is common in first time visitors. If this occurs, you should not continue to ascend. If signs persist, the

best treatment is descent. Please let others know, if you experience head aches, dizziness or nausea. For

those who do not respect these warning signs, in rare cases, altitude sickness can progress to cerebral or

pulmonary edema, both severe life-threatening conditions.

Contact: info@mck.or.ke

for General Meets/Trips inquiries email <meets@mck.or.ke>