MCK is holding a photo competition in which winning entries will be featured in the Mck 2011 Calendar. Photos from any activities related with the outdoors, people, animals, mountains, and nature are welcomed.

Rules of the competition are

1. Submit photos in high resolution.
2. Submissions of photos can only be done by MCK/NSSAC members.
3. Maximum 5 photos can be submitted.
4. Submissions can be made via e-mail or electric files to sugimotohiroko (at)gmail.com.
5. Last day of submission: September 17th (Friday)

All the photos will be presented and voted on by MCK members during MCK September Supper night (September 28).

A Canadian traveler was recently scammed out of several hundred US dollars by a Kilimanjaro Tour Operator based in Arusha. When the incident was reported to the Tanzanian police, the police acknowledged that this company (or at least this particular manager) had a history of extorting cash from hikers and then disappearing. This is apparently a recurring scenario.

The MCK advises hikers to seek out companies with well-established track records that have been recommended recently by other hikers.

The beginners climb on Saturday, September 25th, is for people who have no equipment and want to get a taste for climbing.  The club has all the gear needed.

For people keen on continuing, the MCK is a place to link up with others who are interested in acquiring their own equipment and the club loans out gear to members.  We also have intermediate climbing sessions for those interested in learning to set their own top ropes or learning to lead climb.

Trip to Mt. Elgon: Thursday 26^th to Monday 30^th August 2010

This is the proposed itinerary for the Mt. Elgon trip. Please note that this is flexible and open to suggestions from participants.

 Thursday 26^th August – 4pm

Departing Nairobi around 4pm heading north towards Kembu Camp in Njoro (just south west of Nakuru) for our first night. GPS coordinates: S 000° 17’59”, E 035° 54’00”

Friday 27^th August – 8am

From Njoro we take the longer but most scenic route. We go via Eldama Ravine, cross the Turgen Hills (via Karbanet) and into the Kerio Valley. We’ll head northwards along the secondary roads, past Cherangani Hills to Marich Pass. There we’ll turn south, through Lenan Forest, passing the Saiwa Swamps to reach Mt. Elgon National Park Chorim Gate in the early evening .

Saturday 28^th August – 8am

We can drive to the road head, start our hike up the mountain and return the same day. We camp at the road head for that night at Chorlim camp-site.

Sunday 29^th August – 8am

OPTION 1 – Those who need to get back to Nairobi, can leave that morning.

OPTION 2 – Explore lower reaches of the mountain including the famous Kitum Caves

Monday 30^th August – 8am

Drive back to Nairobi through Kakamega Forest over the Nandi Escapement

What to bring:

• Hiking boots/clothing and rain gear

• Camping gear including tent, sleeping bag, etc.

• Self catering food – for the four days including trail food

• Water for the days on Mt. Elgon (about 3lts per person per day) – THERE IS NO DRINKING WATER ON THE MOUNTAIN

• Day pack – to carry water, snacks for the hike, etc

• Sun screen, binoculars & Hat

• Camera

Charges at Mt. Elgon:

• Park fees – per person, per day:

Kenyan Citizens – Ksh.200/-

Residents – Ksh.500/-

Non residents – US$25/-

• Camping fees – per person, per day:

Kenyan Citizens – Ksh.150/-

Residents – Ksh.150/-

Non residents – US$15/-

• Per day car fees: 6 seater Ksh.300/- (above 6 seater is Ksh.1,000/-)

• Ranger/Guide: for 6 hours Ksh.1,500/- for a group of 4 pax (over 6 hours Ksh.3,000/-)

Other costs:

1. Camping at Kembu Camp:

Camp cahrges – Ksh. 300/- per person per night

½ board meals (Dinner/breakfast) – Ksh. 1,800/- per person

Full board (3 meals) – Ksh. 3,400/- per person

Hot showers and long drop toilets available

Bar facilities

Bandas and cottages available (more information on web site)

1. Travel costs:

Car pooling – fuel cost of owner of vehicle divided by number of passengers. Also car charge by KWS to be shared amongst passengers

Tips, and extra money for the trip.

Useful websites:

www.kws.go.ke/park/park_reserves

www.kembu.com

That’s it! Enjoy