Kindoroko Forest: Trip XI

Ana hiking through the bush

We decided to ring in the new year with a trip to one of our favorite spots, Kindoroko Forest. We have been many times before (Part I,Part II,Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI, Part VIII , Part IX, Part X) and this trip was a pretty "normal" trip with us set on hiking the peak and not so much exploring the many paths. 

We started off at around 10am mainly due to the fact that we had received some rain the night before so the morning was cloudy and moist. As we made our way up to the forest it was evident that the area was having some rain which we were told would last until about now, and then begin again in February. As usual the wet and gloomy climate suited the forest very well and I kept remarking how incredible the place felt. 

We have found a pretty nice loop that goes up to the peak which ascends a steep and overgrown trail while descending down a longer though less steep trail. With plenty of birding stops and lunch on the top it takes about five hours. I think if one were only hiking it wouldn't take more than three. The loop is also cool in that it takes you around different faces of the mountains so the forest varies based on the elevation and the orientation of the slope. My favorite part is by far the ascending trail towards the top as it is lush with moss and lichen hanging off lianas and trees. We were unlucky in that the peak was extremely windy, though the clouds moving through quickly was a pretty cool sight. There were also surprising views out to Lake Jipe given the fact that it seemed so cloudy while hiking in the forest.

The new year was very tame in Usangi though to be fair we did not go out and were both asleep by 10:30. I was expecting to wake up to some noise or fireworks but perhaps I was too tired to be disturbed in my sleep (Ana didn't hear anything either). It was also pretty cool to mark the year since my family came and visited, nearly to the day since we took them on January 2nd to climb the peak. Good memories!

Lunch at the peak

Lots of lichen!

Can you see Ana among the vegetation?