Kindoroko Forest Part V

The peak with the clouds rolling over us. It eventually cleared.

For the first time we brought some friends up to Kindoroko Forest (Part I,Part II,Part III, Part IV). Our friends live in Chome in the South Pares (trip here) and although they've extensively explored the South Pares, they hadn't yet been to the north. We thought it would be fun to show them the parts we know and that means we start with Kindoroko!

Apparently they've recently had some rains during the "short rain" season, which this year is amplified due to El Nino in the Pacific Ocean. Being from America I am familiar with El Nino but I had no clue that it would affect somewhere as far as East Africa. The Pares are already pretty damp, so we prepared for the worst with full rain gear.

We arrived on Friday and spent the night so we could have an early start. We had leisurely breakfast and made our way to the trailhead by 10. The lower levels of the forest have really taken a beating from illegal timber gathering and grazing. Its noticeably thinner for the first half hour or so and for the first time we ran into some locals grazing their goats and cows. It was an incredibly steep and thick area for them to be in!

As we ascended deeper into the forest the buzz of the village died and the forest thickened. The branches and undergrowth were covered in moss and lichen and the ground soft from plenty of rain. As we got towards the top the clouds rolled from the west and drifted past us. The trail was thick and overgrown and there were places where (even armed with two machetes) we had to literally crawl through thorny lianas and branches.

When we reached the top we couldn't see anything but standing and watching the clouds roll by was ethereal. A falcon flying through the clouds added to the vibe and the sound of wind hitting the mountain ridge creates a peaceful and meditative feel. The clouds were moving quickly and you could catch glimpses of space between offering a sliver of a view. We had lunch at the peak and after about a half hour the clouds cleared and the sun was beaming.

The peak when it cleared!

Our friends were quite happy with the view, especially considering their local peak doesn't have much of a view even when it's clear. We were spared the rain and had a view at the top; I'd call it a raging success!

Moss and lichen covered lianas.

Snack spot.

Ana taking a rest after some incline.

What can I say, I am a sucker for lianas and moss/lichen combo.

Typical view of the forest.