Where to go for rock climbing and what it takes

Rock climbing is a major sport and tourist attraction with people willing to spend time and money to scale rocks.

Kenya offers a variety of destinations to enjoy the sport, most of which are near major tourist destinations hence they are well served with accommodation facilities and transport.

One adventurous climb is Mt Kenya’s Batian peak that offers various routes that boast some rocky and icy climbing.

It is advisable to venture up the peak with experts due to the changing nature of routes caused by a shrinking glacier cover.

Hell’s Gate, in Naivasha, also offers a gorge with cliffs rising to 150 metres high for scaling.

The rock, composed of lava, is traversed through a variety of routes.

You can choose to scale Fischer’s Tower, the main wall, Fischer’s Fliff, or Springs Wall — all of which offer different experiences.

Located in a national park, there are camping sites to rest for the evening.

If you are headed to the coast why not venture to Elephant Rocks in Tsavo? The site offers three routes — Earl Grey, Ivory Corner, and Tusker.

For a journey to Northern Kenya there are the Poi Cliffs that rise up to 700 metres.

Four routes take climbers to the top of the rocks, which are not too far from Marsabit town.

Do not worry about accommodation for there is Masarbit National Reserve nearby which has a camp site, and Masarbit Lodge.

Other areas in the country such as Loitoktok, in the rolling hills of Lukenya near the Tanzanian border, also offer rock climbing activities.

Rock climbing is a challenging sport, both physically and mentally. It tests one’s strength, endurance, agility and balance. It requires climbers to hold their weight with their hands as they scale rocks.

Traditional climbing

There are various styles of rock climbing, including aid climbing, free climbing, and traditional climbing among others.

Each boasts a different style and equipment.

The exercise is not necessarily done outdoors, one can do it indoors on specialised climbing walls, which offer a good practising area before venturing outside.

However, just like in every adventurous sport, there are dangers in rock climbing. Recently President Kibaki’s granddaughter suffered injuries and was airlifted to hospital following a rock climbing accident at Hell’s Gate National Park.

Extra precaution has to be taken when undertaking such an activity, including having the right equipment and proper rock climbing techniques.

Invest in some rock climbing shoes that are mainly made to fit tightly, a harness wrap to protect the climber in the event of a fall, a helmet, ropes that can support your weight, and slings, among other equipment.

Some of these equipment are available at sports shops in Nairobi. You can also hire equipment, most rock climbing organisers offer this option. However, enquire before heading out to avoid disappointment.

Just like every other sport, rock climbing is a physical activity that needs one to be fit. So hit the gym to strengthen the necessary muscles.

If you are interested in taking up rock climbing as a hobby, invest in reading material, join a relevant club, and watch and learn from other climbers.