African Rock Courses, Kenya

Jo enjoying sun rock at the Ngare Ndare crag

We have been back on familiar ground delivering some rock foundation courses with Rift Valley Adventures in Kenya. Its always great to be back and see whats been happening not just at camp but also around town. This trip unlike the last that rained for almost the entire trip was wall to wall sunshine making for some great weather for climbing. We had two keen groups to introduce to climbing over two five day courses.

It was great to get out onto the warm rock which at times got very warm. The crag we use is almost perfectly placed in the Ngare Ndare forest conservancy with huge views into Northern Kenya and catching the breeze from the plains below. It can get pretty toasty at this crag with even the rock starting to feel hot in rubber rock shoes. Its also a sign the rock is pretty hot when snakes come out to lay on the slabs once heated up. I managed to startle one walking round the crag which gave me quite a jump. A reminder that we are in a wildlife area which is backed up by the man with a gun. There are a few other things to consider compared to crags at home with Elephant and Buffalo never to far away.

Jo showing the team how its done

We also had our final day at the crag with the instructor team joining us for the day for some skills refreshing. A really fun day with all mixing in. It's been great to be a part of their progression and helping where we can in developing what has become a really competent team in both the canyon and at the crag. We led routes side by side teaching and delivering to those on the course and also had plenty of fun while doing so.

Dan the man with a gun, Ngare Ndare park ranger hitching a ride back to base

We also came out when RVA was having a busy period and so helped out on the Canyoning prior to our rock courses starting. The forest not only has a great crag but also the stunning Blue Pools canyon. A series of spring fed tropically blue pools running through the forest. Jumps, abseils, lowers and other canyoning techniques link together to give a great run through the forest. It's surprisingly cold in the water which comes from a source under Mt Kenya feeding clear and very clean water into the canyon. Although we had larger groups with a small group the canyon runs for a few kilometres making a big day out with the right team to take down. While in the practice jumps area we where treated to trumpeting Elephants which where very near by and responding to the shouts and splashes of group jumping in. Just a warning from them to let us know they where near and to not come closer.

Jo taking the plunge into the waters of the Blue Pools Canyon

With our rock courses done we have left camp where we have a few days spare to have an explore ourselves. Although we are on a forced rest day of sorts as there is some protests going on and as such may lay low for the day before heading off to have a bit of a break. We are back at home in a week and looking forward to plenty more bookings and climbing in the Highlands where the sun burn may die down a little.

Big views across Lewa and Borrana Conservancy and beyond to Samburu and the wild North.