PARAGLIDING
The rising thermal currents along the 250 km of Elgeyo Marakwet escarpments provide the uplift that enables paragliding pilots to enjoy long flights over beautiful landscapes. World records have been set by visiting pilots – mostly from Europe.
Kerio View is the center for this sport. It has the facilities and support services so necessary for an enjoyable experience.
The take-off / landing ground next to Kerio View (North 00˚ 39′ East 35˚ 30′) and the helicopter pad are the only such facilities in the region that are well maintained and also officially recognised.
Paragliding can be done throughout the year subject to prevailing winds and weather conditions. The most suitable period is from late-November to late-February; — this is high season for ‘paraglider’ bookings in Kerio View.
Contact Joseph at bookings@kerioview.com well in advance if you wish to get accommodation in the high season.
The convenience of the landing ground is such that a client can be one moment flying serenely at 3000m and, 10 minutes later, be drinking a cold beer at the KV Lodge bar. This must be a unique experience in Africa.
Kerio View charges a small fee for use of the ground. Additionally, we request all pilots on arrival in Kenya and before embarking on a flight to register with PAK (Paragliding Association of Kenya); this ensures all legal and insurance concerns are met.
A late evening landing is common. Often pilots spend a whole day in the sky and travel an extraordinary distance. Only descending darkness forces them to turn and head back to the landing ground in time for dinner.
After the aerial acrobatics, another type of acrobatics is often needed. Pilots who land down in the Valley usually use a motorbike taxi or “boda boda” to get back to Kerio View.
Actually they are cheap and convenient and, though admittedly riskier than paragliding, not as dangerous as you might imagine.
