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Trekking Mount Kenya
Overview
Embark on an exhilarating journey trekking Mount Kenya, the second tallest mountain in Africa. Our expedition will follow the picturesque Chogoria / Sirimon route, aiming to reach Lenana Peak, which is the third highest peak on the mountain. The team is prepared, and an adventure is on the horizon; you have the option to join a group or hike independently alongside our climbing crew.
This climbing package is tailored for those seeking more than just a view from the foothills; but for adventurous individuals who are eager to embrace the challenge of reaching the mountain’s peaks while enjoying stunning panoramic views. Ascending the mountain requires considerable perseverance, and it’s crucial to undergo acclimatization to minimize the risk of altitude sickness before embarking on the trek.
Planning Logistics
The team at Kenya epic safaris is involved in every step of the planning, preparation and packing of our expeditions. Behind the scenes we take care of all the nighty grities to ensure a smooth ripple effect for the purpose of a successful trekking of Mount Kenya.
Mountain guides & porters
Our mountain guides and porters are highly skilled in mountaineering, with years of experience trekking Mount Kenya. They are not only highly trained and certified, but also very knowledgeable, playing a key role in ensuring a successful climb to the summit. In addition, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy the company of our professional guides and porters as you trek Mount Kenya.
Accommodation
Accommodation on the mountain varies on the route a climber chooses. There are permanently built mountain huts, bandas and designated camping sites managed by the Kenya wildlife service. Our guides have selected various hotels for overnight stays close to the base of the mountain to ensure acclimatization and above all avoid mountain sickness.
Meals & Drinks
As part of our team; we have a dedicated professional cook who prepares excellent, delicious and healthy meals. Our cook will ensure a diverse menu accommodating different tastes and appetites. The menu consists of high protein foods, carbs, vegetables and fruits. Equally important we cater for special dietary requirements with advance notice at no extra charge. You are advised to bring your favorite snacks / energy bars.
You only require bottled water on the first and last day however on the mountain we will boil water or add purifying tablets then filter using MSR water filtering pump before refilling in your water bottles every morning.
Transport
Expeditions to Mount Kenya typically commence from Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. The journey from the city to the mountain’s base generally spans three to five hours, with the duration being influenced by the chosen trekking route. Furthermore, the mode of transportation is determined by factors such as the number of individuals, their budget, and personal preferences. Options for transportation include shared shuttles, mini-vans, and jeeps.
Call To Action
Initiate your ideal hiking experience by contacting our team. We are here to provide you with essential information, outline what to expect and offer guidance. Reach out to us today to begin your adventure with our Mount Kenya trekking package. We aim to help you realize your travel aspirations.
- Nairobi Excursions.
- Mombasa Excursions.
- Hell's Gate Day Trip.
- Lake Nakuru Day Trip.
- Mount Longonot Day Trip.
- Amboseli Camping Safari.
- Masai Mara Camping Safari.
- Masai Mara / Lake Nakuru Budget Safari.
- Climbing Mount Kenya Sirimon Route.
- Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route.
- Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route.
Six Days Mount Kenya Trekking Chogoria / Sirimon Route. [Itinerary]
Day One: Nairobi – Chogoria
First, a representative from Kenya epic safaris will meet you at your hotel or pick you up from the airport. Secondly, the rep will brief and hand you over to your assigned mountain guide, who will facilitate the Mount Kenya trekking venture.
Before you depart, the mountain guide will provide you with a detailed briefing about what to expect and will also check if you have the appropriate gear for the journey. Following the briefing, you will leave Nairobi and journey to Chogoria town, passing through the picturesque countryside on your way to the slopes of Mt. Kenya. You will arrive in time for lunch.
An afternoon walk around the town is worthwhile and helps with acclimatization. Dinner and overnight stay at a budget hotel.
Day Two: Chogoria – Mount Kenya Bandas
Following an early breakfast, you will set off with the climbing team. A drive will take you through the forest until you reach a clearing. From this point, you will start your trek along a trail that can be quite muddy as you approach Mount Meru Bandas, where you will be rewarded with stunning views of locations such as Ithanguni and the Giant’s Billiards Table, arriving in time for lunch.
In the area surrounding the bandas, particularly during the early morning or evening, you may spot a diverse range of wildlife including buffaloes, bucks, antelopes and monkeys. You will have dinner and spend the night at Mount Meru Bandas, situated at an elevation of 2950 meters.
[Time: 3 hours] Covering eight kilometres.
Day Three: Mount Kenya Bandas – Lake Ellis Camp
Awaken early to enjoy a delightful breakfast, then shortly after, embark on the day’s hike to Lake Ellis, following the trail that winds through the montane forest glades. The picturesque views of Mugi, Ithanguni, and the Giants Billiards Table will accompany you as you reach the campsite in time for lunch.
The campsite is located on the banks of Lake Ellis, which sits at an elevation of 3400 meters. In the afternoon, we will acclimatize by ascending Ugi Hill, which rises to 3500 meters, before returning to the campsite for dinner and an overnight stay.
[Time: 3 to 4 hours] Covering nine kilometres.
Day Four: Lake Ellis Camp – Mintos Hut
Following breakfast, we will embark on a hike through the expansive moorland, where a variety of fascinating plant species can be observed, including the giant lobelia, Giant Senacio, and gladiolas. A hot lunch will be enjoyed along the way. The Gorges Valley is a prominent landmark along the Chogoria Route.
In the afternoon, we will reach Mintos Hut, situated at an elevation of 4200 meters. After taking some time to rest, we will head to the temple viewpoint, which features a large hanging buttress that overlooks Lake Michaelson, near Hall Tarns. We will have dinner and spend the night at Mintos Hut.
[Time: 4 to 5 hours] Covering thirteen kilometres.
Day Five: Mintos Hut – Point Lenana – Old Moses Camp
Today marks the most challenging segment of your trek. You will need to rise early at 2:30 AM and enjoy a light breakfast, which may include coffee or tea along with some biscuits. Afterward, you will leave the camp and begin your ascent towards Point Lenana (4985m) via a steep, rocky quarry that traverses a cliff, leading to a viewpoint overlooking the lower Hall Tarns. You should reach Point Lenana by sunrise, where you will be greeted with views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s Kibo and Mawenzi peaks as the day brightens.
The climb will take approximately three hours. After relishing the scenery and capturing some photos or selfies to commemorate your achievement of summiting Mount Kenya, you will start your descent to Shimpton Camp (4200m), where a hearty breakfast awaits you. Shortly after, you will continue your descent to Old Moses (3300m) for a well-deserved rest, dinner and an overnight stay. This descent will take around six hours.
[Time: 9 to 10 hours] Covering twenty one kilometres.
Day Six: Old Moses Camp – Nairobi
As you reach the final stretch, enjoy a delightful breakfast before descending through the lush rainforest to the Sirimon Park Gate at an elevation of 2650 meters, where you will complete the sign-out process.
Afterward, you will transfer to Nanyuki town for a satisfying lunch and then proceed to travel back to Nairobi, with an estimated late afternoon arrival. Finally, upon reaching Nairobi, you will be dropped off at a hotel or the airport, marking the conclusion of your Mount Kenya trekking trip.
[Time: 2 to 3 hours] Covering nine kilometres.
End of services.
- Transport to and from the base of the mountain.
- Park entrance fees.
- Accommodation in mountain huts / bandas / Camps.
- Meals as described in the itinerary.
- Services of a mountain guide, porters & a cook.
- Rescue fee.
- H.F Radio communication for backup in case of an emergency.
- All government taxes.
- International airfares.
- Climbing equipments.
- All expenditure of personal nature such as telephone calls, hard drinks, soft drinks and laundry.
- Tips.
- Visas.
- Travel Insurance.
Mt. Kenya Accommodation
Chogoria bandas are situated on Mount Kenya at an altitude of 3000 meters. The accommodation options are simple, offering dormitory-style huts. Each hut, or banda, comes with beds that have clean sheets, blankets, and towels. Most climbers stay at the Chogoria bandas on their first night while hiking the Chogoria route.
Situated on the eastern slopes of Mt. Kenya in Meru County, Lake Ellis rests at an altitude of 3,400 meters. The campsite available at the lake lacks any amenities, so visitors must bring all necessary supplies. Despite this, the campsite offers breathtaking views, stunning natural beauty, and an unmatched sense of tranquility.
Minto’s hut is situated at an elevation of 4200 meters on Mount Kenya. It offers dormitory-style lodging along with basic cooking amenities. Additional facilities consist of a long drop toilet, and there is also the possibility of camping on the premises.
Judmaier Camp, also known as Old Moses Camp, is situated at an altitude of 3300 meters on Mount Kenya. At Old Moses, visitors have the choice of staying in dormitory-style bunkers or camping in the expansive grounds surrounding the camp.
The camp features a hut with a kitchen, dining area and well-maintained bathroom facilities. Old Moses Mountain Hut serves as the initial overnight stop for many hikers embarking on the Mount Kenya trek.
Mount Kenya Trekking Routes
The Chogoria route begins at Chogoria town and follows the trail to the peak circuit. The path travels through a forest area on the mountain’s southeastern side, leading to open moorland. Along the way, hikers can enjoy views of Ithanguni and the Giant’s Billiards Table. The trail then continues past Gorges Valley, passing the Temple site, before ascending to Simba Col just below Point Lenana.
The Mountain Club of Kenya highlights Ithanguni and the Giant’s Billiards Table as some of the finest mountain trekking experiences in the country.
Sirimon route approaches Mount Kenya from the north-west. Once on the moorlands, the path splits into two routes; the more frequently used one follows the Mackinder Valley, while the quieter route goes into the Liki North Valley. These paths eventually rejoin at Shipton’s Cave, which is located just below Shipton’s Camp on the Peak Circuit Path.
Mount Kenya National Park
The Park
Mount Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro. The mountain is located 175 km north east of Nairobi in central and eastern province of Kenya. The mountain is surrounded by a forest reserve and together they make up the Mount Kenya National Park which was gazetted in the year 1949 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Mount Kenya is the source of the name of the Republic of Kenya.
Mount Kenya stands at 5199 meters [17,057 ft] and the park covers an area of 750km2. Mount Kenya was once a volcano created 3 million years ago. It is estimated to have been 23,000 ft tall but has since eroded to 17,000 ft. Glaciation has coursed erosion of the slopes creating glaciers [small lakes]. The lower slopes of the mountain have been glaciated and are now cultivated or forested, they are distinguished by V shaped valleys.
Mount Kenya Zones
The higher part of the mountain which is now moorland is distinguished by U shaped valleys. There are about 11 small glacier on the mountain. Mount Kenya has three major peaks namely Batian at 5199 meters, Nelion at 5188 meters and Lenana at 4,985 meters. Batian and Nelion are only 250 meters apart separated by the “Gates of Mist”.
Mount Kenya is one of the five most significant water towers in Kenya that the country depends on for her water supply. It provides water for about 50% of the country’s population and produces 70% of Kenya’s hydroelectric power. There are two major rivers that originate from this water catchment namely Tana River and Ewaso Ng’iro River. Mount Kenya has different zones depending on the altitude.
Mount Kenya Vegatation
The base of the mountain is characterized by fertile farmland, followed by montane forest. Above the forest is a belt of bamboo. This zone is almost continuous, but is restricted to small isolated bunches in the north because of low rainfall. Above the bamboo is the timberline forest. The trees here are often smaller than the trees in the forests lower down the mountain. At around 3000m the vegetation turns to heath land and chaparral which paves way for Afro-alpine zone which begins at 3500m, the air here is drier and thinner.
Many of the species here are endemic, with adaptations to the cold and fluctuating temperatures. Typical plants here include giant groundsels [senecios] and giant lobelias. At 4500m we have the nival zone which is characterized by an area that has minimal or no vegetation whatsoever and has been glaciated.
Hiking Routes
There are eight walking routes up to the main peaks. Starting clockwise from the north these are the: Meru, Chogoria, Kamweti, Naro Moru, Burguret, Sirimon and Timau Routes. Chogoria, Naro Moru and Sirimon are the most frequently used.
Climbing / Hiking Gear & Equipments
- Walking trousers synthetic material is recommended.
- Long Underwear Tops – Light synthetic.
- Women’s sports bras Synthetic material.
- Light fleece with a warm layer.
- Long sleeve polypropylene shirt.
- Medium weight polypropylene/thermal leggings.
- Wind – waterproof – breathable jacket.
- Gloves- light weight.
- Warm Hat or Balaclava Sun hat – wool or synthetic.
- Face mask or neck gaiter.
- Medium or large duffel bag to pack your town clothes with a lock, this can be left at the hotel or we can store them for you.
- Medium duffel bag to pack your hiking stuff with a lock. [ The porter will carry this bag. ]
- A day pack to store your essentials with a capacity of about 25 to 35 liters is recommended.
- Walking/hiking shoes – comfortable and waterproof.
- Socks – Fitting socks one thick and one thin pair.
- Head lamp with extra batteries & bulbs.
- Adjustable trekking poles.
- Sleeping bag – Rated 3 – season.
- Gaiters – make sure they will fit over boots.
- Purification tablets or filters – water for drinking is fetched from mountain streams.
- Water bottle preferably one litre.
- Female or male hygiene supplies.
- Hand wipes and camp towel.
- Personal toiletry kit.
- Suncream.
- Lip balm.
- Sun glasses.
- Camera & extra battries.
- Passport, flight ticket, travel insurance, visa, cash & credit card.
- Basecamp entertainment i.e books, board games, playing cards or ipod.
- Favorite Snacks, candy bars or protein bars.
- Bandanas.
Do's & Dont's At Mt. Kenya
Do's & Dont's At Mt. Kenya
- Do not Litter the park.
- Do not feed the animals, i.e. monkeys or baboons.
- Do give the animals the right of way and do not disturb wildlife.
- Do not take any plant or animals remains, dead or alive.
- Do not start fires or throw cigarettes in the parks/reserve.
- Do stay in your vehicle except at designated viewing points.
- Do not shout, laugh loudly, honk or play loud music as this will keep away the animals.
- Do not provoke any animals; it’s dangerous.
Food for thought
Food for thought
Kindly don’t forget your patience, have an open mind, positive and relaxed attitude as things in this part of the world may be very different to what you are accustomed to but in the end the experience is price less and will always be memorable.