HIGHLIGHTS
- Ascend Mt Kenya (Africa’s second highest mountain) through mountain forest, moorland, dramatic glacial valleys and alpine desert to get to point Lenana.
SUMMARY
Mount Kenya is situated in the Central Highlands (only 16 Kms south of the equator) with its equatorial icecaps attracting trekkers and mountaineers from around the world. The highest summits – Batian and Nelion summits require technical experience, though point Lenana is the trekker’s summit on this tour. In this splendid high elevation scenery of mountain forest, moorland and glaciers, you may see colobus monkeys, elephant or buffalo. You will gradually walk up the mountain to the north of the main peaks via the Sirimon route with an open view of the peak area and descend via the Naro Moru route.
This route is ideal for those who want to trek Mt. Kenya in a short time but still enjoy a beautiful route. Accommodation is in huts.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1 – Nairobi to Mountain Rock Bantu campsite
Depart Nairobi in the early morning and depart towards Mt Kenya with lunch en route.
This day is an acclimatization day. After setting up camp you spend the afternoon at leisure; optional activities include walk to Maumau Caves with a guide, horse riding and boating offered at the Bantu lodge. Dinner and overnight back at the campsite.
Day 2 – Old Moses
A short drive in the morning will take us to the Sirimon Park gate (alt.2700m) to begin our acclimatization walk in the tropical woodlands (approx 5 hours); to Old Moses camp which will be our base for the night. Night at Old Moses Camp (3,400m).
Day 3 – Shipton’s Camp:
Break camp and after breakfast begin the trek via Mackinders Valley, enjoying the spectacular views amongst the mountain vegetation consisting of giant lobelia and groundsel. After approximately 8 hrs walk we arrive Shiptons camp where we set up for the night (4,200m).
Day 4 – Point lenana then Metrological Station Banda’s:
Very early start in the morning as we begin the ascent to Point Lenana (4,985m) which is the goal on this tour!
The ascent to Lenana by the North face is particularly exhilarating, if not long and hard in some places. However views from the summit are stunning and on a very clear day, we should be able to see Kilimanjaro in the south. From the top, we walk down to the Meteorological Station (approx 7 hrs walk). Overnight at the Meteorological Station Bandas.
Day 5 – Nairobi:
We descend early in the morning to Naromoru Park gate where we take our transfer vehicle back to Nairobi arriving late afternoon.
What you need to bring:
Quilted sleeping bag and liner, Anorak or windbreaker, hiking boots, trainers for the rain forest and moorlands, light raincoat, warm sweaters, hat, gloves, thermal underwear, gaiters, balaclava, tracksuits, down vest, cotton shirts, thin and thick socks, sun block and lip balm, trekking poles, good sunglasses or snow glasses, water bottle, water purification tablets, plastic bags and stuff bags, torch with spare batteries and spare bulbs, small rucksack to carry yourself, rucksack – possibly with lock in which to pack your belongings to be carried by porters. Maximum luggage 15 kgs. Otherwise there will be a surcharge on the excess.
Photographic gear
It is essential to use sky light filters at high elevations, less sensitive film with 15DIN for bright areas and 17 or so for use in the dark rain forests
SAFARI PRICE – USD 660pp
Park fees –USD 220pp
Departs any day with a minimum of 2 travelers!
Included in the Price:
- Transport to and from the mountain
- Services of an experienced English speaking mountain guide, cook and porters.
- All hut/ campsite fees.
- Any emergency evacuation from the mountain to the base.
- All camping equipment (except sleeping bags/ Mountain equipment – can be hired)
- Three meals a day while on safari whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian
Not included in the price:
- Game park entrance fees shown separately
- Flying Doctors Service for emergency evacuation cover valid for 2 months [available in our office at US$15 or 25pp within 500km radius or US$50 within 1000kms from Nairobi] MANDATORY
- Sleeping bags [available for hire in the office at US$30 per bag per safari with US$ 40 refundable deposit]
- Hotel accommodation in Nairobi
- All airport/hotel/airport transfers [but can be arranged at extra cost]
- All airport taxes and visas
- Optional activities at Mountain rock Bantu lodge
- All personal expenses and toiletries; e.g. toiletries, toilet paper, laundry, telephones, beverages, tips, portage, etc.
- Any other extras not stated as included above.
