blog

On the Couch with Rebecca Stephens: A special relationship with Africa

En route through the vibrant Mount Kenya National Park | Heike Krumm
En route through the vibrant Mount Kenya National Park | Heike Krumm

A few years after she led a trek to Ethiopia’s dramatic Simien Mountains with World Expeditions, Rebecca Stephens MBE prepares to return to Africa for another trek, this time on what she describes as her favourite mountain: Mount Kenya.

In this exclusive Q&A session, the mountaineering legend shares with us what draws her to the mountains and how her love affair with Kenya began.

What is it that draws you to the mountains time after time?

I feel properly alive in the mountains. It’s a combination of things: the aching beauty of the landscape and the big open skies. Then there’s something about using one’s whole body - every muscle, every sense - that awakens us and feeds our physical and mental well-being. 

There’s the thrill of the journey, seeing new vistas, new people, new cultures - and that wonderful connection with the earth, a reminder of our place in nature and our oneness with the universe. 

For me it’s the best tonic in the world, the mountains nourish the soul and I’d feel bereft without them.

I thought, ‘this is happiness, I’ve arrived.’

What has been your most memorable mountaineering expedition so far and why?

There’s perception, and reality. Everest changed my life and I’ll carry the label of first British woman to climb it to my grave.

But my most memorable mountaineering expedition wasn’t 1993 when I climbed it, but 1989 when I discovered it - everything fresh, brightly coloured, exciting, full of anticipation and hope. 

You have a special relationship with Kenya, don’t you?

I’ve had a long-standing love affair with Kenya since my student days when I worked there on a farm.

One of my most vivid memories is sitting in a beautiful garden, squeezing freshly picked lemons for juice to take on safari, whilst looking out at horses grazing in the shade of an acacia tree, and beyond, the vast expanse of the Rift Valley. I thought, ‘this is happiness, I’ve arrived.’

Blessed with stunning weather as we trek the Alpine Zone |  <i>Heike Krumm</i>
The glaciated terrain of Mount Kenya is one of the most spectacular trekking destinations in Africa |  <i>Chris Buykx</i> Descending from Point Lenana |  <i>Heike Krumm</i> Rebecca Stephens at the Lho La

Have you climbed Mount Kenya before? 

I have but on a different route, what was called the Ice Window, way back in 1991.

What magic to stand on the top, at the very pinnacle of a vast obtuse triangular shadow of the mountain cast across the savannah where life itself began.

What makes the Mount Kenya trek so special for you?

Asked what is my most favourite mountain in the world, my answer is Mount Kenya - more so than Everest, Denali or Vinson. It isn’t only the romance of the mountain itself with its rugged summits and beautiful names - Gates of the Mist, Batian, Nelion, Point Lenana - but where the mountain sits.

Much less populated than Kilimanjaro, it's surrounded by pristine moorland and rainforest and the real possibility of seeing game.

Do you have any fitness or training routine that you can recommend for someone who wants to do this trekking adventure? 

The best training is to do what you’ll be doing: namely, climbing hills. The gym might be all that’s accessible if living in the city - stair masters are great - but it is important to put on some boots and clamber up a few hills as well.

I’m lucky to live at the foot of the South Downs and my dog is always happy when I’m off on a trip, she gets a lot more exercise than she would otherwise. [red: find more training tips on our blog]

 

It would be crazy to go to Kenya and not go on safari.

What do you expect will be the highlight of the trekking tour?

I expect every step to have its meaning and joys, but highlights come from unexpected places - a glimpse of an exquisite dawn, a new friendship, the sense of achievement with having reached the summit, the list goes on…

The Mt Kenya trip finishes with a safari. How does this compliment the whole experience in the mountains?

It would be crazy to go to Kenya and not go on safari. There’s always a feeling of accomplishment having completed a trek, and a renewed appreciation of a hot shower and the luxury of clean sheets and a comfortable bed.

On this trip, this will only be heightened by the treat of witnessing Africa’s majestic animals in their natural environment. I can’t wait.

Finally… do you speak a few words of Swahili?

Jambo! Hakuna matata – no worries!  And how can any of us who've climbed in Africa forget, Polepole - slowly…up that hill. I’m going to have to get my phrase book out and brush up before we go!

 
 

Do you want to join Rebecca Stephens on her next trekking adventure to Africa? Mount Kenya and Safari with Rebecca Stephens departs in March 2023. Limited availability. Book your place now or contact us for more information.


 
Rebecca Stephens, Mount Kenya Trekking, Summit Mt Kenya, Kenya Trekking, Kenya Safari, Trekking & Safari, Africa Adventures, On the Couch

Comment (0)

Your comment will be visible after the administrator's approval.







b i u quote


Save Comment
Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips