“Please, don’t try this at home“, was a common catchy phrase synonymous with Tuesday Kenya nights when wrestling used to air on TV. Two friends of mine recently took this phrase to a whole other level… 4,985 metres (16,355ft) above sea level to be precise! PLEASE DON’T TRY THIS AT ALL!

Breaking conventions: Are rules are for sissies?

When Ephraim Kihia and Willy Sise told me that they were going to climb Mt. Kenya in one day, I was utterly gobsmacked! I’ve been up Africa’s second highest peak and, I must tell you that it is not only treacherous, it is deadly! If you read my post about the climb, you’ll see from my face that it isn’t quite a smiling game. Summiting such a rocky mountain, with steep cliff faces requires a lot of planning and preparedness, and nobody should ever be in a rush!

However, the duo was having none of that! They actually did a trip from Nairobi, to the mountain, and back in just about one day! To be precise, the climb from the base of the mountain to Point Lenana (4,985 metres) took them a record 14 hours 8 minutes, a total distance of 43.63 kilometers! Can I get a confetti explosion! Damn! These men are made of valerian steel! Thrashing all rules about mountain climbing!

Dare-Devil climbers: Who are they?

Well, my dare devil friends never shy away from a challenge. They are professional Mountain guides, sought from two different mountaineering companies. Unless disputed by fact, these two chaps are the first to ever summit the mountain in a record 14 hours 8 minutes!

And if you thought climbing Mt. Kenya in a day was the ultimate challenge, they say they still have Kilimanjaro and Rwenzori on their platter! Go for it boys! You can follow Ephraim on his facebook page, and Willy on his website too!

What are the risks of climbing a mountain too fast?

Conventionally, it is recommended that you shouldn’t climb higher than 300-500 meters/900-1500 ft per day. Doing a climb in a hurry carries its own share of risks. If you are an adrenaline junkie, here are a few reasons to shoot more adrenaline into you:

1. Acclimatization – Marked by headache (relieved by aspirin), irregular breathing at night, rapid breathing at day, increased urine output.
2.  Altitude sickness – also called Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is marked by dizziness, vomiting, losing your balance, persistent coughing, sleepiness.
3. Lack of orientation/Awareness – Going through a climbing track too fast makes it harder for your to keep track of your path, and make it more likely for you to get lost.
4. Accidents – Rushing too fast up or down a mountain slope, especially at treacherous as Mt. Kenya, puts you at risk of slipping, falling and severe injury.

If you need plans on you next climbing expedition, reach out to these daredevils… with this achievement, you’ll always be in safe hands!

The hike in photos…

There you have it! Summiting Mt.Kenya in 14 hours and 8 minutes!

Get in touch with Ephraim on Facebook here and Willy on Facebook here!

Challenge yourself!