Mount Kenya Interneraries

Mount Kenya Trekking:

Mount Kenya that’s only recommended for the well-acclimatized and energetic mountain hikers. It is a challenging hike to the summit following straightforward paths and making use of accommodation huts located along the way. However, attempting the summit on Day 3 and descending up to the Sirimon road head on the same day will be difficult though achievable.

This is a common itinerary for hikers with limited amounts of time for their hike or those on a weekend break. The routing is quit convenient for larger trekking parties since it follows the same trail up and down allowing those unable to reach the very top to wait behind at the lower camps as the fitter ones attempt the summit.

Optional night spent at our base lodge before the trek allows for a time to prepare and to do a nature hike in the Mount Kenya forest kicking off the much-needed acclimatization. If time does not permit for this, it’s passable.

Detailed itinerary

3 Days

Day 1: NAIROBI (1,650m) - OLDMOSES CAMP (3,340m.)

A.M transfer, Nairobi to Sirimon Gate (225Kms / 4-5h)

P.M trek, Sirimon Park Gate – OldMoses hut (2,600m – 3,340m).

Ascent, +740m.

Span, approx. 10Kms. / 2-3hrs.

Habitat, Montane Forest / Bamboo / Hagenia /Heather zones

Drive from Nairobi to our base lodge on the western slopes of Mt Kenya for lunch. After lunch is a full briefing and equipment check before we begin the mountain trek - we’ll meet the crew at this point, each one has a personal porter and there are extra porters for mountain equipment and food. It takes about one hour to get to the Sirimon Park Gate (2600m) crossing the equator en-route. On completion of park entry formalities you begin a 3-4 hour hike through forest, bamboo, rosewood and heather zones to Old Moses camp (3300m). Today we gain 740m on the ascent and begin to truly acclimatize. The forest and bamboo are home to hundreds of buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks and a plethora of bird species. Overnight in the Old Moses hut (3340m). (B, L, D)

Day 2: OLDMOSES CAMP (3,340m.) - SHIPTON’S CAMP (4,236m.)

Trek, Oldmoses - Shipton’s Camp (3,340m – 4,236m).

Ascent: +900m.

Span, approx.14Kms / 7-8hrs.

Habitat: Moorland zone.

After an early breakfast we commence a 7-8 hours trek to Shipton's camp (4,236m). Today's trek is long and interesting but also a good test on individual fitness. You’ll ascent close to 900m going up the surreal Mackinder Valley with its strange vegetation of giant lobelia and groundsel, unique to equatorial African mountains. Here we stay at Shipton's hut (4236m), just below the glaciers and jagged peaks of bare rock that surround the main summits. (B, L, D)

Day 3: SHIPTON’S (4,200m) - LENANA (4,985m).

(Summit climb) Shipton’s camp (4236m) – Pt. Lenana (4,985m) – Oldmoses or Shipton’s.

Ascent: 749m to the summit.

(3 day Option) - Descent: -1645m to Oldmoses Camp.

(4 day Option) - Descent -749m to Shipton’s camp.

Span, approx. 20kms / 10h from Shipton’s to Pt. Lenana down to oldmoses Or, 6kms/6h from Shipton’s to Pt. Lenana and back to Shipton’s

Habitat: Scree / rocky summit / Moorland

Predawn start (3am) for the summit attempt - you’ll need a bright head torch for this. Go up steep screes and a bare rocky track to reach the hikers summit, Pt Lenana at 4,985m in time for sunrise – to add to the exhilaration, Kilimanjaro is usually visible 340kms to the south on a clear day. The climb is tough going through frozen scree and requiring some scrambling on final stretch to reach the summit - this is unavoidable on any route. We aim to reach the summit and witness the magical sunrise over the equator at 6.30am. Descend back to Shipton’s camp for a hefty brunch then continue the descent to Oldmoses Camp (3340m) arriving in a further 4-5 hours. Or relax the rest of the day at Shipton’s and descend on day 4 if time permits. (B,L,D)

3 days challenge: Hikers intending to complete this hike in 3 days should be very well prepared and fit enough. The trek today combines a demanding attempt of the summit and descend to Oldmoses camp (or even further down) where you connect with the vehicle for transfer off the mountain. This tusk is really challenging and needs a lot of resilience. Additional 4th day consolation: Hikers who can spare an extra day on the mountain are strongly advised to spend this extra night at the Shipton’s Camp after the summit attempt to relax the pace of descent. Alternatively, this additional day may be utilised to boost acclimatisation prior to summit attempt then descent directly as in the 3 day option.

BLD indicates those meals included. i.e. B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner

MOUNT KENYA via BURGURET/CHOGORIA WILDNESS ROUTE

A special trek that traverses the two most natural and scenic routes, rich in unique mountain flora and fauna. The Burguret ascent trail is the least trodden trail making it an eco-trail that offers ambient atmosphere for nature enthusiasts who want to hike in unpolluted environments. Accommodation on this trail is chiefly in tents with options of using mountain huts at Shipton's and Chogoria gate.

8 Days

Day 1: NAIROBI-MOUNTAIN ROCK HOTEL (MOUNT KENYA)

Morning transfer from Nairobi to our hotel on the western slopes of Mt Kenya, altitude 2,000m.On arrival have a hot lunch in the hotel restaurant then begin an escorted 3-4 hours visit to nearby local community farms. Your visit will help promote the local community's initiative in eco-tourism thus providing economic justification for their participation in the conservation of Mt Kenya's natural beauty. NB: Clients with more time can spend an extra day at the lodge and take this excursion at a more relaxed pace which would enable them visit more community projects including a local school, a typical Kikuyu village and more.

Day 2: MOUNTAIN ROCK HOTEL (2000M)- ELEPHANT MOAT CAMP (2300M)

Your trek starts right from the lodge soon after breakfast, together with your guide and porters you start a 4 hours trek through a lush forest pass via the famous Mau Mau caves (2000m) and waterfalls en-route. This is a splendid site at which former freedom fighters laid their guerrilla war strategies against the British Colonialists. As you enjoy your picnic lunch you listen to a preview of this historic event told by your guide. Proceed on to the Elephant Moat camp (2300m) situated at the start of the tropical rainforest for overnight in tents.

Day 3: MOUNT AIN ROCK HOTEL-GIANT BAMBOO CAMP (2700M)

You proceed on through the montane forest with its gigantic cidar and podocarpus trees and then through a dense bamboo belt to the Giant Bamboo campsite (2700m.) for overnight in tents. The forest and bamboo are home to hundreds of buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks and a plethora of bird species.

Day 4: GIANT BAMBOO CAMP-HIGHLAND CASTLE (3600M)

You set off after breakfast. Today's trek continues through bamboo, rosewood and heather zones giving way to a moorland of tussock grasses, Senecios and Lobelias as you approach the Highland Castle campsite. Today's hike takes 3-4 hours and involves an ascent of 900m. Picnic lunch is served enroute. Adventurous climbers can scramble to the top of Highland Castle cliff and enjoy splendid views of the Castle like rock formation and good views of the surrounding area.

Day 5: HIGHLAND CASTLE-SHIPTON'S CAMP (4200M)

Today's hike starts at 8.00am, ascending to over 4400m in 3 hours to connect the summit circuit trail. Following this in the clockwise direction the trail leads you down the Hausberg Valley and over the Hausberg Col to Kami, where you divert and walk down the Mackinder's Valley to Shiptons hut (4200m) in roughly another 2-3 hrs. Picnic lunch is served en-route.

Day 6: SHIPTON'S CAMP-POINT LENANA-MINTOS CAMPSITE (4300M)

Get up early to prepare for predawn summit attempt starting at 0300hrs. Hike up the steep scree to Pt. Lenana (4,985m), 'the hikers summit', taking 3-4 hours in order to arrive there in time to capture the African sunrise. When the skies are clear the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro can be seen 340km to the south. Later descent to Mintos/Hall tarn campsite for breakfast then relax for the rest of the day. Interested persons can explore the Gorges valley from here and take advantage of the fascinating scenery including the Gorges Valley, the Temple and L. Michaelson.

Day 7: MINTOS CAMPSITE-MERU MOUNT KENYA LODGE/CAMPSITE (3000M)

After breakfast, begin a 5-6 hour descent to Meru Mount Kenya cabins situated next to the Chogoria Park gate (3,000m). The descent is gentle and it offers ample time to enjoy enchanting attractions along the way, which includes the Vivienne, falls, Nithi falls, mushroom rocks and an array of interesting montane plants. Today you have a chance to clean up and relax at the Meru Mt. Kenya Lodge.

Day 8: MERU MOUNT KENYA LODGE/CAMPSITE-NAIROBI - 8 DAYS BURGURET – CHOGORIA 'SLOW PACED

After breakfast gradually descent through the Chogoria rain Forest to have an opportunity to explore the bamboo and lush montane forest belts before boarding on to the vehicle for the return journey. Expected arrival time in Nairobi is1700hrs. Picnic lunch is served en route.

A green route up to the peaks that is little known to Mt. Kenya trekkers. This is the one route we take great pride in, having put it back to use ourselves after more than 30 years of disuse and neglect. The route was pioneered during colonial days and then abandoned for many years until it was re-opened by our guides in the early 90s. It provides a unique and completely natural mountain trekking experience. Up to Point Lenana then descent on the Chogoria route provides the most spectacular views and completes a traverse of the mountain.

Going up this route is quite challenging: rough underfoot going through bushy track more used by wild animals than humans, muddy when wet, no accommodation huts and with dense stands of giant bamboo and montane forest. So why are we so passionate about it? Well, it's for those who want a different experience away from the crowd and help releave pressure on the over utilised Naro-Moru and Sirimon routes.

MOUNTAIN ROCK LODGE

6 Days

Day 1: MOUNTAIN ROCK LODGE - 1950m

AM. Transfer to Mountain Rock lodge Approx. 200kms /3.5hrs. PM. Acclimatisation nature hike. approx. 12kms /3hrs.

Depart after breakfast and journey north past agricultural lands and landscapes to the slopes of Mount Kenya. After lunch at the base lodge you take part in some easy walks around this predominantly Kikuyu area, exploring local farms and villages and perhaps local schools. We can gain a privileged insight into the lives of the people who live on the slopes of Mt Kenya and know what our visit is contributing towards their local economy. Meals and overnight at the lodge.

Day 2: GIANT BAMBOO CAMP – 2,600m. AM. Transfer to Gathiuru Forest. Approx. 15kms

1h P.M Trek to Giant Bamboo camp. Approx.10kms /

4hrs. Ascent: +740m.

Short drive to Gathiuru forest station via the renowned Mau Mau caves and a 4 hour ascent through dense strands of towering bamboo to our own Giant Bamboo camp. Elephant and buffalo are common here.

Day 3: HIGHLAND CASTLE – 3,700m

Trek to Highland Castle

Approx.10kms / 5-6h. Ascent: +1,100m.

The luxuriant bamboo yields to enormous podocarpus and pencil cedar forest before we climb to the hagenia rosewood zone at the edge of the moorlands. This marks our lunch spot before heading up through the extraordinary giant lobelia and groundsels. We spend the night close to the sheer lava cliffs of the "Highland Castle.

Day 4: SHIPTON'S CAMP – 4,236m.

Trek via Hausberg col (4,600m) to Shipton's Camp. Approx.10kms / 5-6h). Ascent: +900m.

Spectacular scenery as the jagged volcanic peaks and shimmering glaciers tower above our trek around the summit circuit. Turquoise tarns nestle in the valleys, eagles and buzzards soar overhead - it's difficult to believe we're on the equator! We might, for the first time, meet other trekkers here as we hike for 5-6 hours to overnight at Shipton's Hut at 4,236m.

DAY 5: NITHI CAMP - 3,300m.

Trek via Pt. Lenana (4,985m) to Nithi Camp. Approx. 17kms / 10hrs Ascent: 749m to the summit / Descent: -1,685m to Nithi Camp.

After the rest day comes the highlight of the Mount Kenya trek: the stiff, but exhilarating, scramble by starlight up to Point Lenana, the "trekkers' summit", in time to see the African dawn from a vantage point of nearly 5,000m. We leave at 4am and climb the 800m to the peak in 3-4 hours. A further 3 hours down to a late breakfast by Hall Tarns in the magnificent Gorges Valley. Then in the afternoon another 3 hours down past spectacular chasms, waterfalls and weirdly eroded lava flows to camp by the track-head in the giant heather zone.

DAY 6: MERU BANDAS – 3300m

Trek to Meru Bandas (3,000m). Approx. 7Kms / 2-3h. Descent: -300m.

Short descent through the forest zone to the mountain cabins and afternoon relaxing. Log fires, hot showers, Tusker beers, and beds for overnight. Wildlife viewing in evening - often from your cabin window as the elephant and buffalo graze outside.

DAY 7: NAIROBI - 1650m.

AM. Hike to pick up point (2600m). Approx.10kms / 2hrs Descent: 400m.

P.M. Pick up point – Nairobi by car. Approx. 230kms / 4-5hrs).

Descent on a broad track for about 10 kms through bamboo and virgin rain forest to meet vehicles for the return to Nairobi - usually arriving mid to late afternoon.

5 DAYS SIRIMON via CHOGORIA TRAVERSE

(Itinerary adjustable to 6, 7 or 8 days)

Interesting combination of the two most scenic routes on Mount Kenya, from the lush green forests and U-shaped valleys of Sirimon to the unique features of the temple, mushroom rocks and the Gorges Valley on the Chogoria side.

There is also a marked contrast in micro-climatic conditions, Chogoria being wetter and moister than Sirimon. This itinerary includes mandatory camping at Mintos on Day 3 but less preferred the other nights can be in the huts that exist along the route.

5 Days

Day 0

An optional day ahead of the mountain trek spent at the Base lodge (2000m) for preparations and acclimatization. This pre-hike day is included in our all-inclusive trip option. Those whose itinerary includes this day are advised to arrive at the Lodge in time for lunch in order to have the rest of the afternoon to participate in fitness activities that help with acclimatization. If you are from Nairobi leave by 9.00am or earlier. A choice of two hiking excursions is available today. The first option is a 3 hours escorted nature hike into the forest destined for the Mau Mau Caves, an awesome site with an interesting history related to Kenyan's struggle for independence in the 1950s. The 2nd option is the Eco-conscious escorted hike through the local community's land, visiting local homes, farms and schools. In the process you help support the local communities' initiative in tourism and conservation. Those interested in combining these two activities ahead of the mountain trip can consider spending an extra day at the lodge. Dinner and Overnight---------------------------------------------------Mountain Rock Lodge

Day 1

Depart at 1000hrs to be transferred to Sirimon Park gate. (Clients traveling from Nairobi should arrive at the lodge latest 1300hrs for a quick lunch and onward transfer to the Park gate). From here, hike through montane forest, bamboo and rosewood up to the Old Moses Hut, gaining an elevation range of 700m in 3-4 hours. Dinner and Overnight --------------------------------------------------Old Moses Hut (3300m)

Day 2

A long and rather tiring day leading to the base of the high peaks. Today's trek is largely through the moorlands and the Mackinder Valley, with good views of the main peaks and a brief stopover for picnic lunch. Total walking time is approx. 7 hours gaining 900m in altitude. Dinner and Overnight ------------------------------------------------Shipton's Hut (4200m)

Day 3

Pre-dawn attempt of the summit starts at 0300hrs, taking 3-4 hours to reach Pt. Lenana 4985m (the hikers summit) in time to watch the sunrise. When the morning skies are clear, you can see the snowcapped summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro several miles away to the south. Descend to Minto's camp for breakfast. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or exploring the spectacular Gorges Valley. Dinner and Overnight --------------------------------------------Mintos campsite (4300m)

Day 4

Leisurely descent along the left bank of Gorges Valley with a chance to enjoy the great scenery of the Temple, mushroom rocks, lakes etc.You arrive at the Meru Mt Kenya lodge after a 5-6 hours trek. Picnic lunch is served enroute. Dinner and Overnight----------------------------------------------- Mt. Kenya Lodge (3000m)

Day 5

Leave at 0700 hrs, walking down the Chogoria Forest to meet with our vehicle for transfer back to Nairobi or the Base Lodge. Those traveling directly to Nairobi will arrive by 1700hrs.

Tip: Clients wishing to avoid the long trek from Old Moses to Shiptons and the strain it may cause them can break up the trekking distance into two phases. On the first phase, hike up to Likii North (3900m) in approximately 4hours to spend the night in tents and proceed on to Shiptons the following day in another 4 hours. Alternatively, clients can hike directly to Shipton's and spend an extra day there relaxing or walking around the peaks for acclimatization. This would mean adding on an extra day or two to the regular itinerary.

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