Our peak of the hike was actually reaching Lake Alice which is approximately 5km on the ground and 500m high on a crater from Rutundu as I have illustrated using google maps on pictures uploaded.
The Journey started at 9 Am it was on 27th Dec 2019 Distance of almost 70Km considering the route we were using from nearby Village Named Kisima Ex-Lewa on the Upper side South of Ngare Ndare Forest. On the Northern Lower side of the forest we have Lewa Conservancy home to Sirikoi lodge 1 Luxury Resort in the World 2019 and Kenya’s Leading Safari Lodge 2019 which is said to be where William and Middleton had spent time prior to heading to Rutundu.
Our Route was from Ex-lewa market which is 2444m above see level our destination being lake Alice 3500m above the sea level through Ntirimiti market after which we entered the Mt Kenya forest through Ntirimiti Kenya forest Service gate our means of transport was motorbike we were 9 of us each motorbike carrying 3 People. I had no idea of how terrain is tough until we reached the junction between road to Kenya school of adventure and leadership (KESAL) and way to Rutundu
Immediately we branched off the KESAL road, The way to Rutundu became messy wet and muddy meant for 4 X 4s we could see the tire tracks that had dug deep into the ground by land Cruisers making it difficult to maneuver the motorbikes trying not to get off narrow tracks it took experienced riders, they had a rough time we could also feel it. The slippery terrain we fell off the motorbike way too many times till I lost count, the scratches from the shrubs alongside the road pushing the motorbike up steep terrain it was tough and fun at the same time. But basically, motorbikes just made the journey faster not easier where the terrain allowed. We could see our destination 3 hours before reaching there. The road to Rundu is like a puzzle going through hills and valleys spiral movements some parts had ash that was produced during mt Kenya eruption. On the way I met a stone that was forged like a king Chair it reminded of Tywin Lannister in Kings landing.
I was already tired half the journey, when we reached near Mt Rutundu It was the most phenomenal thing I have ever seen.my cousin who was with us and had an experience of taking guest there was a great guide. He gave a story behind every feature.
Finally we reached Rutundu where The road ends at a gorge with river flowing named as kathita by local Meru people where it flows to. We used alternative route that takes you to the Rutundu cabins. I took a nap under nice cool shade already fatigue was already taking the better part of me but my rest of the team was super energetic. I couldn’t imagine we had more 5Km to cover now on foot.
Normally the hike to lake alice is done in 2 days but we did it in a record of 1 Day Guests usually ride on horseback to the crater hike on foot is left for the tough.
That day we knew we were tough to tackle the hike but it took a tool on some of us. a quarter the hike I was already low on sugar very un-prepared I didn’t even bring glucose snacks had finished half the journey to Rutundu.
Never in my life had I felt almost dying out of fatigue but one thing I couldn’t do is give up I had come too far, my lungs were almost crushing the change in altitude was instant rather than gradual I could hear my heart pound in my ears like I was wearing EarPods after 2 hours we finally reached when I sat down that’s when I felt the cool breeze ,it was cold initially but I was burning waay too much calories to feel cold.
But it is most definitely worth it! The untouched lake in the crater with its crystal blue waters is a sight to see! Its just beautiful.But I promised to never hike to Rutundu and Lake alice without a 4 X 4