MOUNT KENYA
CLIMB AFRICA'S HIDDEN BEAUTY
Trip Overview
Mount Kenya is often considered the most striking and rugged mountain in East Africa. It’s summit is a triple crown of three jagged peaks, guarded on most sides by near vertical rock faces.
Our high point is Point Lenana, at 4,985m, which we’ll reach after four days of trekking.
During the trek we’ll pass through tropical woodland, moorland, rocky alpine terrain and bamboo forests. This variety of scenery, combined with sightings of monkeys, buffalo and possibly elephants, makes this a very special experience.
Accommodation & Service
Pre & Post climb accommodation :
We work with a number of beautiful lodges and hotels around Mount Kenya National Park to make sure that the experience is a high standard throughout the trip.
On the mountain we offer three levels of service: Lightline, Highline and Skyline. We can say with confidence that our Lightline offering is better equipped than 90% of other expeditions on the mountain. Our Highline climb includes several refinements to enhance the comfort, and our Skyline spec is the only service of it’s kind. Safety remains the key focus regardless of specification chosen.
Lightline:
A high quality 2 person mountain tent is provided, with a foam pad to sleep on. Dining tent with lightweight table and stalls, toilet tent, and transfers in coasters/ private buses.
Highline:
A large mess tent is provided for dining, with high-backed chairs. A larger sleeping tent with a 3 inch foam mattress, pillow and -18 Celcius rated sleeping bag with liner. There is a private portable toilet. 3 course evening meals and fresh pressed coffee available. Transfers in private 4x4 safari vehicles.
Skyline:
With our Skyline specification the team will be sure to be staying in the best accommodation on the mountain. You will be sleeping in a large standing height tent, with full size sleeping cot, 3 inch foam mattress, pillow and -18 celsius sleeping bag for the best nights sleep. Private toilet and shower tents will also be provided. A large mess tent is provided for dining and socialising which has comfortable backed chairs and large tables for enjoying the 3 course meals in comfort. Tea & fresh pressed coffee available. Transfers in private 4x4 safari vehicles.
The Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrive at Nairobi Airport and transfer to the hotel where the team will meet the Guides. A full trip briefing and gear check will be carried out. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 2:
Sirimon Park Gate to Old Moses Camp (2,700m - 3,200m)
Early in the morning you'll be picked up from the hotel and transferred to the Sirimon Park Gate (alt.2700m). After a picnic lunch, you'll start an acclimatization hike in the tropical woodland, occasionally enjoying the sightings of monkeys, buffalos or possibly elephants. Arrive at Old Moses Camp (alt.3200m) in the early evening.
Day 3:
Old Moses Camp to Likki North Hut (3,200m - 3,993m)
After breakfast, you'll start the hike across moorland vegetation, enjoying the picturesque views of the Sirimon and Mackinders valleys, arriving at Likki North Hut in the early afternoon. Lunch at this camp and later take an acclimatization walk around the camp.
Day 4:
Likki North Hut to Shipton's Camp ( 3,990m - 4,200m)
Today you will start hiking up a steep slope towards Shipton’s Camp (4,200m) arriving in time for lunch. The giant groundsels along this route are some of the most spectacular on Mt Kenya. Afternoon walk to the Kami Hut and later back to the camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 5:
Shipton's Camp to Summit to Met Station ( 4,200m - 4,985m - 3,050m)
Summit Day! At 0300hrs you'll be woken up by the camp crew and have some tea and biscuits. You'll then start the attempt on the scree and rock to the summit; Point Lenana (alt.4985m), which is the highlight of your trip! After taking photos with the sunrise, descend slowly down to Mackinder’s Camp for breakfast. Then continue down the steep bog to the Met Station (alt.3050m). Afternoon resting, dinner and overnight at Met Station.
Day 6:
Met Station to Naro Moru Gate and then back to Nairobi (3,050m - 2,400m)
At 0800hrs you'll depart the camp and walk through the bamboo forest to connect with the private transfer vehicle at the Naro Moru Gate. From here you will head back to Nairobi for a well-deserved shower and celebratory dinner & drinks!
Overnight Hotel/ transfer to airport for flights home.
Day 7:
Transfer to Nairobi Airport or onwards to a safari for those who would like to book this as an extra.
Included:
Trained Guides
All relevant Park fees & rescue fees
Emergency medical evacuation to nearest facility
Supplemental oxygen & pulse oximeters
All accommodation and meals as described in final itinerary
Transfers as described in final itinerary
Drinks on the hike (potable water, tea, coffee & hot chocolate)
Excluded:
International flights
Entry visas
Items of a personal nature
Alterations to this itinerary
Laundry
Beverages in hotels (except those in your personal safari vehicle)
Hospital bills and international evacuation in the event of an emergency
Tips
More Information
Season
Mt Kenya can be climbed year round. The best times to travel are the summer season (June - early October), as these months often enjoy long dry spells and milder temperatures. December and January can also see stable weather and cooler temperatures.
Difficulty Level
Most days trekking on Mount Kenya are 4-6hrs of undulating, uneven terrain. There are no technical sections on this route, so it is achievable for someone with good basic fitness and determination. Summit day is tough, sometimes involving up to 15hrs from leaving the tent to reaching the lower camp for the night.
Equipment list
A full kit list will be sent to you at time of booking.
