MOUNT KENYA DAY TREK (hike from Park gate)
For those wishing to sample the adventure of trekking on Mt Kenya but have limited time to scale the high peaks, a day trek is highly recommended. This is a whole day’s trek starting from the Mount Kenya National Park gate. The hike is gradual and the trail passes through dense forest canopies and luxuriant bamboo vegetation before emerging into the sprawling moorlands.

From Naromoru or Nanyuki, we drive across the equator to the Sirimon Park Gate. We hike for 3-4 hours through montane forest, bamboo, rosewood, and heather zones to reach the high altitude moorland at 3,300m above sea level. We trek further to Likii viewpoint for a panoramic view of the majestic high peaks. We then take picnic lunch and descend back to the Sirimon Park gate to board waiting vehicle for transfer back to Nanyuki or Naromoru.

MOUNT KENYA DAY TREK (hike from Old Moses or Met)
Pick up from your hotel in Nanyuki or Naromoru and transfer to either Old Moses Camp or Met Station, hike up the moorlands then descend to board waiting vehicle for transfer back to Naromoru or Nanyuki.

MOUNT KENYA-4 DAYS SIRIMON/NARO MORU ROUTE

At an elevation of 5,199 meters above sea level, the majestic and imposing Mount Kenya sits proudly just south of the Equator and is Africa’s second highest peak. Take the opportunity to sample one of the most popular adventure trails for hikers and mountaineers in East Africa. For the adventure traveler, this experience packs a relatively easy trek and a beautiful scenic escape in the lush, vivid outdoors of East Africa. This hike to the summit of Mount Kenya will take you to all the must-see points along the way. Begin on straightforward paths through rainforests to Mackinder Valley, named after the European expedition that resulted in one of the first ascents of the mountain. Trek up to Point Lenana, the hikers’ summit at 4985 meters and cross through Lewis Glacier, the largest of the glaciers on Mount Kenya, although rapidly receding due to climate change. It’s an invigorating experience!

Day 1: NANYUKI-SIRIMON-OLD MOSES CAMP
Transfer from Nanyuki to the Mount Kenya Sirimon Park gate (2600m). On completion of park entry formalities we begin a 3-4 hour hike through forest. Ascend 700m through the bamboo, rosewood and heather vegetation to Old Moses camp. The forest and bamboo are home to hundreds of buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks and a plethora of bird species. Dinner and overnight at Old Moses Camp (3300m)

Day 2: SHIPTONS CAMP
A long day leading to the base of the high peaks. Today’s trek is largely through the moors and the Mackinder Valley, which offers good views of the main peaks. Total walking time is approx. 7 hours gaining 900m in altitude. Dinner and overnight stay at Shipton’s Hut (4200m)

Day 3: MET STATION
Pre-dawn attempt of the summit starts at 0300hrs and you hike for about 3 hours up steep scree slopes and across rugged rocks up to Pt. Lenana (4985m), the hikers’ summit. We descend through Lewis Glacier and then go up to the Austrian hut to join the Naromoru track before descending for 2 hours to Mackinder’s camp for breakfast. Then we do a further four hours gradual descent across the moors and the lower vertical bog up to the Met Station (3,000m) for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: NANYUKI
Leave after breakfast for a gentle two hour hike down on a wide dirt road leading to the Naromoru Park gate (2600m) where you meet our vehicle. Transfer back to Nanyuki.

MOUNT KENYA-5 DAYS PEAK CIRCUMNAVIGATION ADVENTURE

Take this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hike to the summit of Mount Kenya, the country’s tallest mountain and Africa’s second-tallest peak. An itinerary ideally suited for first-time high-altitude hikers and those arriving from low-altitude regions, this more gradual climb offers a better chance of reaching the summit than a normal four-day climb, thanks to an extra day allotted for acclimatization before the final ascent to Mount Kenya’s majestic peak.
We will attempt the summit from Mackinders’s Camp in the Teleki Valley and eventually descend via the scenic Sirimon Trail. Stay in comfortable accommodations that keep you as one with nature, such as Old Moses hut, perched on a hill within heather vegetation. Skirt the mountain’s high peaks and marvel at the splendid view of the rocky towers, tarns and suspended glaciers of the west face of Batian peak.

Day 1: NANYUKI-SIRIMON-OLD MOSES CAMP
Transfer from Nanyuki to Mount Kenya Sirimon Park gate (2600m). On completion of park entry formalities begin a 3-4 hour hike through forest. Ascend 700m through the bamboo, rosewood and heather vegetation to Old Moses camp. The forest and bamboo are home to hundreds of buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks and a plethora of bird species. Dinner and overnight at Old Moses Camp (3300m)

Day 2: SHIPTONS CAMP
After an early breakfast we commence a 6-7 hour trek to Shipton’s camp. The hike is awesome but a good test on individual endurance on the mountain as you cover a 900m. climb in 6-7 hours. The moorland walk takes you across hills and valleys in the sprawling moorlands where you see several unique and interesting plants and animals including the Giant groundsels and lobelias and the mountain hyrax. Dinner and overnight at Shiptons Camp (4200m)

Day 3: MACKINDERS CAMP
Departing at 0800hrs ascend the Hausberg col (4700m) then descend steeply to Hausberg valley and Oblong tarns before making a further steep ascent, crossing huge boulders via Two Tarn on the way to Mackinder’s camp (4,300m) which is located along the Naromoru route within the Teleki Valley. Dinner and overnight at Mackinder’s Camp (4300m)

Day 4: SHIPTONS CAMP
Leaving the camp at 0300hrs you hike up the steep scree slopes and glacier to Point Lenana (4985m), the hikers summit. It is planned that you arrive in time to witness the African Sun rising over the equator, reflect its golden glow on the Majestic peaks of Batian and Nelion. Later descend to Shipton’s camp (4200m) for breakfast then relax for the rest of the day. Dinner and overnight at Shipton’s Camp (4200m)

Day 5: NANYUKI
Have early breakfast and descend to Sirimon Park Gate (2600m) in 4-5 hours, from where you connect with the vehicle for transfer back to Nanyuki.

MOUNT KENYA – 5 DAYS SIRIMON/NAROMORU ROUTE

This trek offers good opportunities for acclimatization prior to ascending to the summit. Unlike the normal 4 day itinerary, this trek includes an extra day at Mackinders Camp for acclimatization before the final ascent to the summit. It is a good choice for first time high altitude hikers and those arriving from low altitude regions. From Shipton’s, you skirt the high peaks to the east, bypassing Kami and Two-tarn huts as you marvel at the splendid view of the rocky towers, tarns and suspended glaciers of the west face of Batian peak. The summit is attempted from Mackinders camp in the Teleki valley and eventually we descend through the Naromoru route.

Day 1: NANYUKI-SIRIMON-OLD MOSES CAMP
From Nanyuki, drive for two hours to Mt Kenya Sirimon Park gate (2600m). After completion of park entry formalities, you begin a 3-4 hour hike through montane forest with bamboo, rosewood and heather zones to Old Moses camp (3300m). The forest and bamboo are home to hundreds of buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks and a plethora of bird species. Dinner and overnight at Old Moses Camp (3300m)

Day 2: SHIPTONS CAMP
After an early breakfast at 0700hrs, commence a 6-7 hours trek through the sprawling moorlands up to the Shipton’s hut (4200m). The hike provides opportunities for fascinating views of unique moorland plants and scenery but is also a test on your individual endurance. You gain good acclimatization as you cover an altitude range of 900m. Lunch stop is at a vantage point on the Mackinder valley. Dinner and overnight at Shipton’s Camp (4200m)

Day 3: MACKINDERS CAMP
Departing at 0800hrs ascend the Hausberg col (4700m) then descend steeply to Hausberg valley and Oblong tarns before making a further steep ascent, crossing huge boulders via Two Tarn on the way to Mackinder’s camp (4,300m) which is located along the Naromoru route within the Teleki Valley. Dinner and overnight at Mackinder’s Camp (4300m)

Day 4: MET STATION
Wake-up call at 0230 Hrs. Start the summit climb at 0300 Hrs, first hiking on frozen scree then across the Lewis glacier for 3-4 hours. We aim to reach Point Lenana, the hikers summit, in time to watch the sunrise. From the summit, descend gently for two hour back to Mackinders Camp for breakfast. Then gentle 4 hour descent to Met Station (3,049m) for overnight.

Day 5: NAROMORU-NANYUKI
Leave after breakfast for a gentle two hour hike down on a wide dirt road leading to the Naromoru Park gate (2600m) where you meet our vehicle. Transfer back to Nanyuki.

MOUNT KENYA-5 DAYS SIRIMON/CHOGORIA ROUTE

The Sirimon route is a scenic and gentle ascent track on Mt Kenya; cutting through montane forest, bamboo and heather vegetation before dropping into the deep Mackinder Valley. Giant groundsel and lobelia vegetation dot the trail. Tthis itinerary includes an additional acclimatisation day at 4,200m. The Chogoria trail, arguably the most spectacular route on Mt Kenya has several unique features including mushroom-shaped rocks, jagged peaks and valleys, waterfalls and tarns.

Day 1: NANYUKI-SIRIMON-OLD MOSES CAMP
From Nanyuki, drive for two hours to the Sirimon Park Gate. Trekking up through magnificent virgin forests, bamboo and giant heather zones, we reach the high altitude moorland and our first hut, “Old Moses” at 3,340m. (10,824’). This first day’s gentle trek takes 3-4 hours and climbs 690m. We can make an extra ascent to the weather station after tea, to help acclimatize, and then back for dinner.

Day 2: SHIPTONS CAMP
Hiking up the spectacular Mackinder Valley, we pass strange giant groundsel and lobelia plants to emerge onto what looks like a set from Star Trek, Shipton’s Camp at 4,236m (13.940’). This surreal setting below the towering peaks and glaciers, with its resident population of bizarre rock hyrax, is our acclimatisation base for two nights.

Day 3: SHIPTONS CAMP
This is a rest day. Short walks are possible on the summit circuit here, normally a 370m climb to Hausberg Col before returning for lunch. Climbing high and sleeping low is excellent acclimatisation, but you can do that almost as well lounging in the sun watching the eagles! We stay again Shipton’s Camp for the night.

Day 4: POINT LENANA-CHOGORIA
We start early to reach Pt Lenana at 4,985m (16,355’) for sunrise. The climb starts on frozen scree and continues on a rocky track with some very minor scrambling. With a good moon you barely need a torch. Without a moon, then the pollution-free sky, bang on the equator, gives you as good a view of the stars as almost anywhere on Earth. The climb takes between 3 and 5 hours and to add to the exhilaration, Kilimanjaro is usually visible on the horizon, 340 kms. to the south. We descend to Simba Col and a further 3 hours takes us down to Hall Tarns for a late breakfast. Then a gentle 5-6 hour descent down the magnificent Gorges Valley, past spectacular chasms, waterfalls, and weirdly eroded lava flows. This brings us to the Mt. Kenya Huts and hot showers. After washing clothes, drinking Tusker beers and a hearty meal, there is wildlife viewing of elephants and Cape buffalo on the lawns as they graze.

Day 5: CHOGORIA TOWN
Descending on a broad track through bamboo and virgin rain forest, we meet oncoming vehicle and transfer to Chogoria town.

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