Are there hiking spots in Coastal Kenya? Meet Mount Kasigau

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When someone mentions Coastal Kenya, what comes to mind is the blue waters of the great and vast Indian Ocean, the sandy beaches, the sweet aromatic Swahili food, the two great national parks of East and West Tsavo, and many other ‘soft life’ tourist attractions. The question some ask is- how about good hiking and camping spots around for the hike lovers? 

At a distance of about 120kms from the highest point of the coastal region – Vuria hill in Taita-Taveta County, lies a hidden and shy gem sandwiched in between Tsavo East and West. This under-rated beauty is Mount Kasigau, which is part of the Eastern Arc Mountains of Taita Hills which are located near the Tanzanian border. Away from the city, the mountain provides an unmatched serenity and solitude – our new home far away from home for the next two days.

 

On our first day, we embarked on a journey to visit this gorgeous place. We left Nairobi via the inter-county Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) at 0800hours. Our next stop was Voi town which is about 4 hours away. We arrived at the station, and were received by a luxurious tour van which took us to Voi town to do some shopping. Voi is a rather hot but radiant town buzzing with life. We then left for the base camp located at the foot of the mountain. Mt. Kasigau base camp is roughly an hour and a half from Voi town and while on the road you can get a peak view of the mountain, the forest and a historic rock nicknamed ''Python Rock''. According to the elderly locals, ''Python Rock'' used to be a place where law breakers were exiled. 

View of Python Rock

The contrast in weather change, the views and the curiosity immediately gives you an impression of unmatched serenity and solitude, an aura that quenches your wandering thirst. 

Scorching sun view

Forest view

The camp has comfortable well-built self-contained traditional bandas. You can also opt for a tent, that can be provided upon request.

Banda view

Immediately after unpacking and refreshing, we left for the sundowner rock about 3kms away from the camp to chase the evening sunset. From the sundowner, you can easily spot wildlife on a lucky day and also you get another perspective view of the mountain and it is absolutely sensational!

 

Day two was meant for more vigorous hiking and we woke at 0530hours ready for the day's five-hour hike. The hike is moderately steep. The initial parts comprise of a rocky terrain, dry bushes and thickets that lead to a heaven-like forest full of birds and indigenous trees, some more than 100 years old. 

We got some company too..

 

a century-old tree

 

 

Further on the trail leads to the beautiful peak locally known as ''Nyangala''.

After enjoying the summit, we descended and returned to the camp for another sundowner, before wrapping up the day with good times with friends and star gazing on a clear sky. As we prepared to depart the next day and return to Nairobi, we were full of mixed emotions - both joy and nostalgia.

Our animal friend was nostalgic too

If you have been to Mt. Kasigau, how was your experience?

In case not yet, but would like to give it a try, click here to enquire on the next tour!