The students of Sathya Sai School – Kisaju, had an adventurous day trip to hike Mount Longonot, a dormant volcano with an altitude of 2,776 meters, that last erupted in 1863. It is located just about 90km from Nairobi.
The trip was approved by the office of the District Education Officer (D.E.O.) at Isinya following an application and a visit made by the school principal Mr. Kennedy Musongo on 3rd April 2019.
Two teachers. Mr. Isaac Ngatia and Mr. Samoka Julius supervised the trip that included an experienced mountain climber and guide, Mr. Hudson, along with 61 students. Mr. Simiyu ably drove the school bus.
After a healthy breakfast served at 5:30 am, Mr. Kennedy Musongo recited prayers for journey mercies. A roll call was taken by Mr. Samoka to confirm that all the students on the list did indeed board the bus. We embarked on this exciting journey at 5:45 am.
Students on the way to Mt. Longonot 
Traffic on the highway to Mount Longonot
At around 9:00 am while ascending the escarpment, we reached the Mahi Mahiu viewpoint. Students observed and admired the beauty and grandeur of the great Rift Valley. Mount Longonot could be seen from there as well.
A View of Mt. Longonot
The beauty and grandeur of the Great Rift Valley.
At 9.45 am we arrived at the entry gate situated at the base of Mt. Longonot.
A view of the peak of Mt. Longonot
Arrival to Mt. Longonot game reserve gate
Students Just after alighting the school bus 
A group of students at the gate of Mt. Longonot game reserve 
A second group of students at the gate of Mt. Longonot game reserve
After refreshing themselves, everyone was served with a light snack and enough drinks to keep the pace of the hike. The park attendants gave an orientation talk on what to do and what not to do while climbing the mountain.
Climbing Mt. Longonot
The park attendants advised and briefed the students as to the purpose of climbing Mount Longonot. They addressed possible questions that could arise from the visit such as the progeny of the mountain, the period which it is believed to have formed, the economic significance of Mt. Longonot to the public and its immediate environs, the type of mountain, process of formation, and the wildlife in the region. The park attendants also told us that while we will enjoy the ascent, there is a possibility of sighting wild animals too – small mammals and birds. There are animals like Giraffe, warthogs, Zebra and many antelopes. We then began on the 3.1-kilometre hike.
Two gentlemen climbing the mountain 
Students climbing the mountain
At precisely 12:00 noon, the first team of gents, Alvin Kithinji, Creflo Orlando, Ian Njoroge from the secondary section and Davis Ochieng and Feisal Magufuli from the primary managed to reach the peak and then embarked on touring the crater.
Students at the top of the mountain 
Students celebrating a successful climb
Students at the peak of Mt. Longonot
A picture of Mt. Longonot crater 
A second picture of Mt. Longonot crater
The Mount Longonot Crater
Ninety-six percent of the gentlemen managed to climb the mountain to the top. Those who were not able waited at the intermediate resting station where Mr. Samoka took care of them.
Students celebrating having walked around the crater
Excited and celebrating having walked around the crater at the peak
By 1:30 pm, all the gents had descended the mountain and assembled for lunch. We served the gentlemen soft drinks, fruits, and lunch to replenish their energy.
After a hearty break, we embarked on travelling to Lake Naivasha from 2:00 pm. Unfortunately, a motor vehicle stuck in the soft sand at the exit from the park delayed us. We had to push it aside to enable our bus to pass.
Students pushing aside a vehicle stuck in the sand
Lake Naivasha
At 3:20 pm we arrived at the lake to study Geography and to know more about the flora and fauna of the region.
Lake Naivasha is a beautiful freshwater lake of 139 sq.km. It is at an altitude of 1,884 metres, located on the outskirts of the town of Naivasha. It is part of the Great Rift Valley, and it has an average depth of 6 metres. The name derives from the local Maasai name Nai’posha, meaning “rough water,” because of the sudden storms which can arise. The lake is home to a variety of wildlife such as hippos, waterbucks, zebras, giraffes, and others, surrounded by feathery papyrus, marshy lagoons, and grassy shores.
An image of lake Naivasha 
An image of lake Naivasha with a gazibo and wooden bridge
After such an inspirational and memorable trip, we started heading back to school at around 5:00 pm. There were massive traffic jams on the way back due to the peak hour traffic. We arrived at the school after 8:00 pm and the gentlemen were served with supper. After sharing our experiences with the eagerly awaiting students that stayed behind, we all retired to bed.
A questionnaire will be given out to all participants for their feedback and future planning.
Report compiled by:
Mr. Samoka Julius Luchiri
April 2019