This trek uses the gentlest ascent
trail on the mountain, our own huts
and an additional acclimatization
day at Shiptons Camp (4,200m). It
allows you to explore the contrasting,
picturesque and spectacular scenery
of Mt. Kenya. From the lower forest
zone we cross through the bamboo and
heather zones to reach the moorlands,
walk through the Mackinder Valley
enjoying its
beautiful scenery and vegetation of
giant groundsel and lobelias until
we arrive at the Shipton's camp. On
this trek you combine use of huts
with camping. It also includes one
night at our Base Lodge ahead of the
trek during which you participate
in exhilarating fitness activities
that help you acclimatize better.
Day 1
Transfer from Nairobi to the slopes
of Mount Kenya for lunch. In the afternoon
is a 3-4 hours nature walk through
the forest reserve to Mau Mau caves,
the former base for Kenya's freedom
fighters. As you hike you learn about
plants, birds and animals found in
the forest from your escort naturalist
guide. A traditional dance performance
can also be arranged at the lodge
after dinner to liven up the evening.
Dinner and overnight at Lodge
Day 2
Vehicle transfer to the mountain
soon after breakfast together with
the guide and porters. The drive to
Sirimon Park gate (2600m) takes less
than 2 hours. En route to the mountain
you could have a brief stopover at
the equator crossing. After completion
of park entry formalities and lunch,
you begin a 3-4 hour hike through
montane forest, 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 3
After an early breakfast at 0700hrs,
commence a 6-7 hours trek
through the sprawling moorlands d
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 4
Acclimatizing day at Shipton's. Take
a walk to the peak area and
return to the Shipton's hut for hot
lunch. Dinner and overnight at the
camp.
Day 5
Start predawn summit attempt at 0300
hrs, hiking for three hours up to
Pt. Lenana (4,985m), the hikers summit,
arriving there in time to see the
African sunrise. From Pt. Lenana you
have good views of Pt. Nelion (5188m),
Pt. Batian (5199m) and other surrounding
peaks, and on a clear day the summit
of Mt. Kilimanjaro can be seen protruding
from the sky over 340km to
the south. From the summit descend
to Mintos/Hall tarn campsite (4,300m)
for breakfast then relax for the rest
of the day. Interested persons can
explore the Gorge's valley. Dinner
and overnight at Mintos campsite
Day 6
After breakfast, begin a 5-6 hour
descent to Meru Mount Kenya cabins
situated at the Chogoria Park gate
(3,000m). The descent is gentle and
it offers ample time to enjoy the
gorgeous landmarks on the lower gorges
valley including Vivienne falls, Nithi
falls, mushroom rocks and an array
of interesting mountain plants. Today
you have a chance to clean up and
relax at the Meru Mt. Kenya Lodge.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 7
After breakfast gradually descend
through the Chogoria Forest to meet
up with our vehicle for the return
journey to Nairobi arriving by1700hrs.
Picnic lunch is served en route
