trip

7 Days$2400USD

Activities
  • 5 day trek
Accommodation
  • 1 night hotel
  • 5 nights camping/ mountain hut
Meals
  • 5 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts
6
Moderate to Challenging

Traveller Rating

 

 
 

Mt Kenya Trek Trip highlights


  • Climb Point Lenana (4985m), the highest trekking peak on Mt Kenya
  • Traverse Mount Kenya from East to West via the Chogoria and Sirimon routes
  • Ascend via the quieter and more dramatic Chogoria route
  • Delight in the beautiful alpine scenery and views
  • Search for wildlife in the lower slopes

Mt Kenya is regarded as the most visually stunning of the ice-capped African peaks and is home to a great diversity of wildlife, including leopard, elephant and buffalo. The ascent is an exhilarating and diverse trek, arguably the finest trek in Kenya, with relatively few hikers compared to Kilimanjaro. Many would argue that Mount Kenya, whilst not being as high as Kili, is certainly the more enjoyable, interesting and dramatic of the two mountains. The Chogoria/Sirimon Route offers the best combination of alpine scenery and acclimatisation as we ascend via spectacular Lake Michaelson and Lake Ellis to the trekking peak of Kenya, at Point Lenana (4985m). Our traverse continues to the north where we descend the stunning Sirimon trail with dramatic views.

Trip Code: MKA

On arrival in Nairobi, please make your way to the group hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure in Kenya's capital city.

Meals:  Nil

This morning we head to Chogoria Village (approx. 4-5 hours drive). In the afternoon you will ascend the steep and rutted track to the Bandas (cottages) in woodland near the Chogoria gate (3,017m) of the Mt Kenya National Park. We will stay here for the night. Our gear will be transported by Land Rovers while we acclimatise with our first walk at altitude (approx. 1 hour).

Meals:  B,L,D

The flora and fauna surrounding the Bandas is prolific, with the possibility of seeing game in the surrounding forest (Elephant, Buffalo, Antelope, Colobus Monkey, Augur Buzzard & Verreaux's Eagle). As we walk, the forest gradually drops away and we enter a high moorland zone. En route we ascend nearby Mugi Hill (3600m) to help with acclimatisation before arriving to camp. Lake Ellis (3500m), where we camp tonight, is a peaceful spot with good views of the main peaks and we arrive in time for lunch. (approx. 6 hrs)

Meals:  B,L,D

The initial trek away from the lake ascends gentle moorland to attain a ridge that eventually joins the main Chogoria route at its best viewpoint. After enjoying views of Vivienne Falls and the Gorges Valley we descend to the little visited Lake Michaelson (3,900m) and possibly the most beautiful campsite on the walk. Overhead tower the cliffs of the Temple while Tacazze Sunbirds flit amongst the giant Groundsel and Lobelia and Hyraxes hop around in the rocks. (approx. 6-8 hours)

Meals:  B,L,D

The trek now enters the Alpine Zone - after quite a boggy start to the walk the walking surface soon becomes scree. You will soon reach Simba Tarn at 4560m, in time for a late lunch. An afternoon walk will assist with acclimatisation. (approx. 4-6 hrs)

Meals:  B,L,D

After a hot drink you will leave at 3:30 am for the steep ascent (2 - 2.5 hrs) of Point Lenana (4,985m) in time for sunrise. Although the climb is straightforward, the final section is hard work at this altitude. From the summit it is often possible to see Mt Kilimanjaro 320km away as well as the nearby climbing peaks of Mt Kenya; Nelion and Batian which should be bathed in golden sunlight at this time of the morning. We descend back to Simba Tarn for a well-earned cooked breakfast, and continue our descent via the Mackinder Valley to Shipton's Camp before joining the Sirimon Route to Liki North where we camp. The walk today is long and exhausting and will challenge even the fittest of walkers. However the thrill of standing on the roof of Kenya, will be sure to make the effort worthwhile. (approx. 9-10 hours walking)

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we continue descending for approximately 2 hours to Old Moses camp 3400m and the tarmac roadhead at the forest line. Here we bid farewell to the porters and crew and drive down through the lush forest belt to the Park Gate. After completing the exit formalities our transport will take us on the 5 hour drive back to Nairobi, where the trip concludes on arrival at the hotel from where we started. We farewell our Kenyan crew here. (Note: arrival at the hotel in Nairobi is around 16:00hrs. We recommend an overnight stay in Nairobi before commencing onward travel. If you need to depart today, please do not book onward flights departing before 20:00hrs)

Meals:  B,L


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Inclusions

  • 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners
  • 1 night in 3 star hotel on a twinshare basis
  • 5 nights fully supported camping on a twinshare tent basis
  • Group camping equipment including tent (sleeping bag and mat not included)
  • Experienced local guides, cook and camp crew
  • Porters to carry personal and group equipment
  • Private return transfers from Nairobi to Mt Kenya
  • Park entrance fees valued at US$300

  • International flights
  • arrival and departure transfers
  • Sleeping bags & sleeping mats
  • Restaurant meals in Nairobi and meals not mentioned in the itinerary as included.
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc
  • Tips
  • Airport and departure taxes
  • Visa
  • Travel Insurance
  • Additional transport or accommodation required due to any emergency situation. (This would be covered by an adequate insurance)

Departure dates


Notes

1
This trip has been confirmed below our normal minimum group size. There may be a surcharge to pay if you join this departure, which will be removed if minimum numbers are met. Please ask us for details regarding the additional cost.

Dates don't fit?
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If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

Priceper person from

$2400USD

Your trip price includes:

  • Park Fees valued at USD$315
Options & Supplements*
  • Foam Sleeping Mat HireUSD$13
  • Sleeping Bag HireUSD$38
  • Single Supplement - hotel onlyUSD$50
  • Single Supplement - tent onlyUSD$110
  • Single SupplementUSD$160
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Mount Kenya Ascent trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


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