The incredible, steep, strikingly dramatic and beautiful Ndoto Mountains!! this time I focus on Upe the second highest peak, which I climbed with some of the family this month!..

Ndotoi.. this is where the name Ndoto comes from!! Where ever theres an amazing view, or a good gathering spot, you find a game board, or two, even three, as in this case gouged into the rocks!
Every year, we as a family, try to climb a special mountain or rock to remember Simon..
LAST YEAR OUR DESTINATION WAS THE INCREDIBLE ROCK POI….

POI.. the most INCREDIBLE rock jutting out of the East side of the Mountain.. Its unbelievable UP THERE!! From this amazing rock you look across the Kaisut desert towards Marsabit, Huri Hills, Kulal.. AND Simons rocks are in the middle of the arena…

July 2016 on top of POI with the Simons rocks ( Soit ele Salau) in the distance.. (now the ridge back in this picture is named Salau)
Going back.. Down at Soit ele Salau, in 2015.. With the Ndoto line standing proud!.. Poi is the mountain jutting out to the left! Upe in the middle, Alamision our next adventure next along.. and the long ridge is Suruan, where the little premature Elephant NDOTTO was rescued, and is now at DSWT..

The gathering in 2015 on Soit ele Salau.. With the UNmistakable line of the Ndotos in the distance!!

21 airplanes parked in the desert, the occupants came to remember that crazy guy!.. the line of the Ndotos firmly on the sky line!
This year it was UPE!!!
THE CLIMB!!!
The next morning the final push!

Mama on the top.. With a clear message on her back.. I came to love NOT to fight.. from the elephants..
the flowers were JUST amazing!..

The ‘knife’ bridge to cross over into Manmanet forest.. The elephants have to pull their stomachs in to get across, as theres a big rock in the way!, its strait down on both sides 2000 feet to the bottom

The view down the valley from our camp.. Also a reminder of what is in stall for us tomorrow.. DOWN, DowN down!
Our next escapade is Alamision… Peia will stand on the top with Pete and any one else that is game!!
These mountains are jewels of this planet, the diversity, the scenery, the plants, the animals and birds, insects, cameleons, frogs etc etc and we were totally mesmerized by its beauty BUT there is much work to do to stop burning.. ( see below ) mostly caused by casual honey gatherers, but some on purpose to just be TOTALLY destructive, ( as was this one.. we even have his name) despite the fact that he and his family need the mountain to survive, some are caused by politics, or job seekers, and a few accidental!!.. How ever they started it has to come to an end as these water towers are vitally important for the pastoral peoples.. SO we have to work extra hard to make sure this STOPS… .. WE HAVE TO CATCH/PUNISH THE PERPETRATORS AND ALWAYS NEED YOUR HELP… This particular fire was terribly destructive sadly and was right up the mountain luckily it stopped at the main tree line on the top..
WOW – just wow. What a marvellous way to remember Simon and what a stunningly beautiful place. Lucky people! Thank you so much for sharing the photos.
I have joined your blog news . Thanks to Rob Harte . When we were children we climbed hills now you are climbing mountains , I hope to climb with you again oneday . In memory of Simon and my dad who showed us how to walk in the wild with a camera and butterfly net .
wow Julie.. amazing to hear from you
Truly awesome photos Helen! Thank you for all you do
Travel News would love an article on the Ndoto’s and remembering Simon – you have the images I’m sure you guys are good for a word or two. 800 ish!! I think we have spoken of this before, let’s get it done. TCB
hi Tony, thanks for this.. We will write an article for you and get it to you in november! no network up north so have to come down to kenya!! helen
Incredible Photos Helen!! What stunning vistas you have at the ready! So glad you were all able to be together!