Climbing Mount Kenya is an experience scribbled on many hikers and adventure seekers’ bucket lists. The thought of standing atop Kenya’s highest point, entranced by the gleaming snow-white peaks, is a dream with plenty of hope to fulfil.
The Chogoria route is our recommended and arguably the most magnificent ascent route to the summit area. It is the driest route up the mountain and the walk beside the Gorges Valley is truly spectacular.
The descent by the Sirimon route takes one through some beautiful forest tracks and completes the traverse of the mountain. This trek accommodates 3 nights in mountain huts and 2 nights camping. Nonetheless, you can do so all night on the mountain if you prefer to camp.
Day 1: Trek to Mount Kenya Bandas
Depart from Nairobi at 0800hrs, driving through the agricultural country up to Chogoria town for lunch. After lunch, we take 4x4 and drive up to the edge of the bamboo forest where we start our trekking through the dense bamboo forest for a distance of 10 km up to the Mt Kenya Bandas.
Dinner and overnight at the Mount Kenya Bandas.
Day 2: Breathtaking views at Lake Ellis
After breakfast and sorting of porter loads we set off up the mountain at a nice and easy pace A slightly longer walk via Lake Ellis gives scenic views of Mugi, Ithanguni, and the Giants Billiards Table, whilst if we follow the river near road head, upstream for about 3 km, the foreground scenery and flora is particularly beautiful.
Lunch on the banks of a stream, then it's time to cut up the left-hand hillside to our camp at about 3,600m, well away from any of the more "touristy" areas.
Day 3: Ascent to Mintos Camp
Similar early start. Again well off the beaten track to follow a ridge up the mountain for about 3 hours to eventually join the tourist track on the normal Chogoria route at an altitude of about 4,100m. Breath-taking views over the Gorges Valley and back over towards Ithanguni and the Northern Moorlands.
Lunch is served at a small stream crossing, before continuing for a further hour to the Mintos Hut area at 4200m and our night's rest.
The afternoon is spent relaxing at camp, though a 10-minute walk to the "Temple" is well worth the effort. This is a 150 meters vertical cliff that gets its name from the position visitors often adopt when peering over the edge - they look as if they are praying.
Day 4: 500m ascent to Austrian hut
Today we begin our trek ascending up along the foot of huge rock walls.
From the top, we`ll have an excellent view of Mt. Kenya. After ascending for a couple of hours you reach Tooth Col. From here you traverse until you reach the Austrian Hut for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Highest point in Mount Kenya
Leave at 5.00 am for a predawn attempt, climbing for 1 hour across bare rock and scree slopes characteristic of the alpine region up to Pt Lenana - the hiker`s summit, arriving in time to catch the African sunrise. Descend to Shipton's camp for breakfast and a short rest. After breakfast, we begin a 3-4-hour descent via Mackinder`s valley to Liki North camp (3,900m). The descent is gentle and it offers ample time to enjoy fascinating scenery which includes the moorlands before reaching the camp.
Day 6: Heading back to Nairobi
After early morning breakfast, descend for 3 hours up to Old Moses camp to catch a vehicle for transfer to Nairobi arriving late afternoon.
What is included in the tour
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Transport from Nairobi to the mountain and back
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All Park fees.
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Accommodation in mountain huts/camping where required.
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Food ( 3 meals per day while on the mountain).
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Guide, Cook, and Porters
What is NOT included in the tour
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Personal trekking gear ie Sleeping bags, warm clothing, etc
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Tips.
