As Kenya charts a new path in tourism and unveiled the Magical Kenya Mountain and Trail Series seeking to attract 200,000 adventure tourists over the next five years, female cyclists have embraced the challenge with both arms.
Gladys Chelagat and Veer Sendeyo are among cyclists who showcased their skills during the trail series. The women are challenging menfolk even in tough terrains.
Chelagat said every time she pedalled, she experienced a touch of nature with the stunning greenery giving her a feeling of relaxation.
“Kenya has so many sceneries to enjoy. People should take time and visit these stunning places,” Chelagat said. Sendeyo said as she huffed and puffed, she fell in love with nature both in smooth and rugged routes.
“Entry into Lake Solai where cycling ended was epic,” she said.
Paul Kathambana who also took part in the cycling said descent towards Subukia was breathtaking.
“Tourists should be ready for many stunning views and experience.”
During the first day of the series, 43 hikers and 29 cyclists took part. The series, which begun on January 13, was flagged off by the head of Public Service Felix Koskei at the iconic Thomsons Falls.
The cyclists covered almost 100km during the first day of the adventure.
From the Thomson falls, the cyclists pedaled their way to Subukia Viewpoint for the spectacular views before going to Subukia town and Shrine for a few minutes stop.
From the Shrine, the cyclists had an exhilarating descent back to Subukia town, before making their way to Lake Solai and finally the picturesque Lake Baringo Viewpoint.
The hikers as well as the cyclists had a once in a lifetime experience. The hikers started their journey at the Mochongoi drop-off before taking the six kilometres trail that snaked its way down to Waseges Center.
Here, the hikers had choices. They either hopped on a ride or embraced the thrill of a seven-kilometre hike to the Kapicha Viewpoint.
The trail offered unmatched natural landscapes and memories to last a lifetime. Participants described it as a gateway to adventure having experienced jaw-dropping scenery, warm interactions with the locals, challenging climbs and fast descents.
Baringo chief warden William Kimosop said the trails being explored are a recreation of the past.
“We used to have these trails and communities used them to get from one village to the other. We want to open them up for visitors to experience them,” Kimosop said.
The official said the features around Rift Valley are stunning plus visitors get to experience the community’s culture.
Some of the activities, such as local weddings and sporting events, not only fascinate but also give visitors a feel of the community’s culture.
Kimosop, who has been a warden for over 20 years, said everyday means a discovery for him. Evans Kandie, a hiker, said he covered eight kilometres and has been impressed by the scenery.
“The altitude from highest to mid and savanah was interesting. We saw trees that bees used to make honey flowering.”
Kandie said the trail was aimed at opening up the circuit connecting Laikipia, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu and Nandi.
The hiker said there are a number of products that needs to be developed, adding that the trails have a lot to offer to visitors who want mindblowing experience.
The series forms part of the country’s broader strategy to diversify its tourism products and increase revenue by tapping into the fast-growing global adventure tourism market.
Koskei emphasised the importance of diversifying Kenya’s tourism offerings beyond traditional safaris. He noted that tourism remains one of the key pillars of the country’s economy with the sector attracting 2.4 million visitors in generating over Sh350 billion in revenue in 2024.
He added that initiatives like the Magical Kenya Mountain and Trail Series aim to grow these figures further by focusing on adventure and mountain tourism.
“Through these efforts, we seek not only to attract more international visitors but also to promote local tourism and create economic opportunities for the communities involved,” he said.
The series, dubbed the Heritage Trails Expedition and Barngetuny Run, is being organised in collaboration with Athletics Kenya and aims to position Kenya as a premier destination for adventure and sports tourism.
The five-day event encompasses a diverse range of activities, including hiking, biking, cultural immersions and farm tours across the five counties.
