Table Mountain Elementaita

Went over to a friend’s place for the night since it was much closer to the pick point than my current residence. I didn’t catch sleep for some reason, maybe I was too anxious. I stayed up till five-twenty am, brushed my teeth and refreshed a bit and set off. I slept for a short while in the bus before we picked up more hikers along the way, and the row I was sitting in filled up. The facilitators provided us with “ice breaker” questions which I found quite interesting. We arrived at around 10 a.m. at the base of the table mountain. After a brief warm up session and receiving instructions on the routes we would be following, we began hiking. It wasn’t exactly a unique experience in terms of hiking as I have been to a few interior places by myself before. However, it was thrilling having company and getting to shoot awesome photos.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the experience:

• Choose lightweight, nutritious snacks to fuel your hike without weighing you down.
• Consider carrying collapsible cups for sharing drinks or making new friends on the trail.
• Be mindful of your food choices to avoid stomach discomfort during the hike.
• Stay hydrated with water and electrolyte-rich beverages to prevent dehydration.
• Opt for comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing to stay dry and comfortable throughout the hike.
• Wear appropriate footwear suitable for the terrain to prevent blisters and discomfort.
• Protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Carry a lightweight, waterproof jacket or poncho in case of unexpected weather changes.
• Bring along a map, compass, or GPS device to navigate unfamiliar trails confidently.
• Pack a basic first aid kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
• Stay on marked trails to minimize the risk of getting lost or encountering hazardous terrain.
• Leave no trace by disposing of waste properly and respecting the environment.
• Take breaks to rest and refuel, especially during long or challenging hikes.
• Listen to your body and pace yourself to avoid overexertion or injury.
• Practice proper hiking etiquette by yielding to other hikers and minimizing noise pollution.
• Be prepared for encounters with wildlife by familiarizing yourself with local species and their behavior.
• Stay informed about weather conditions and trail closures before embarking on your hike.
• Share your hiking itinerary with a friend or family member for safety purposes.
• Embrace the journey and take time to appreciate the natural beauty surrounding you.
• Reflect on your hiking experiences to learn and improve for future adventures.

The hike was a good learning experience for someone who has never done it before. It helped me realize the importance of proper planning, especially regarding food choices and the need for appropriate hiking gear based on the terrain. Despite the challenges, I was able to capture stunning photographs and appreciate nature. I'll definitely carry over the lessons from this hike in future expeditions!