Growing up in Kenya, Chris Carter fell in love with Africa's wilderness -- with forests and grasslands, mountains and waterfalls, lions and giraffes. But after spending several years backpacking the long-distance treks of the US, he returned to his home country only to realize that Kenya had no comparable established backpacking trails. So naturally, he decided to create one.

Chris partnered with the Kenya Wildlife Service to map, plan, and create the country's first long-distance backpacking trail. The location was Aberdare National Park, a 4,000 square mile sanctuary of hidden waterfalls, volcanic peaks, and tropical forests shrouded in mist and teeming with wildlife. 

The only issue? Mapping the route meant bushwhacking through some insanely dense and dangerous wilderness. And Chris would find all sorts of surprises hiding in the bush...

Follow along with Chris' adventures on Instagram @Chris.Cart.Er or check out his YouTube channel at ChrisCarterMedia. If you're interested in visiting Kenya or Aberdare National Park, go to kws.go.ke.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @armchairexplorerpodcast. Want travel tips and advice? Questions about this episode? Message me! Sign up for the monthly newsletter at armchair-explorer.com.

This episode was produced by Armchair Productions. Find our other shows at armchair-productions.com. Jenny Allison did the guest booking and wrote this episode, along with host and producer Aaron Millar. Charles Tyrie did the audio editing and sound design. Theme music written by the artist Sweet Chap (on IG @the_sweet_chap).

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices