Mt. Kenya
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This is a spectacular walk up the beautiful Sirimon valley away from the main tourist route. The trek passes through a diverse range of vegetation and climate zones, from dense forest to tropical cactus plants to snow covered peaks within a relatively short distance. No technical climbing is necessary to reach Point Lenana, the “walking summit” at 16,400 ft.
Detailed Itinerary
(If you are doing this trek as an extension to the Africa Camping Safari, then this will be the 12th day of the Safari). And if you are driving from Nairobi and staying in the Lodge at Mt. Kenya on that day, than this will be your 2nd day)
Today is the start of the Mt. Kenya climb extension and this morning we ready our equipment for the start of our trek up the mountain. Leaving the base behind we drive to the Sirimon Park gate (2600m) where we start our trek. The 3 – 4 hour hike from the gate to Old Moses Hut (3300m) helps with acclimatization.
Dinner and overnight — Old Moses Hut (3300M)
1
From the Moses Camp it is a full day hike to Shiptonís Hut. The 12 km route through a trail that cuts across the moorland should take around 6 hours with packed Lunch enroute. We cross into the spectacular Mackinder Valley dotted with lobelias and then climb up to Shiptonís Hut at 4,200 metres.
2
We leave very early in the morning for a pre-dawn trek of 3 – 4 hours to Point Lenana, our high point on Mt. Kenya at 4,985 metres (16,355 feet) arriving in time for the sunrise. This will be a challenging day as we trek uphill, but the reward at the top of Mt. Kenya will make it all worthwhile. Return to Shiptonís hut for a late breakfast/lunch. The rest of the afternoon is spent relaxing after the demanding climb.
Dinner and overnight — Shiptonís Hut (4200M)
3
After Breakfast at 0700hrs we descend at a leisurely pace down the moorland via Moses Camp to the Sirimon forest to connect with the vehicle anywhere between 3000m and 2600m,as dictated by prevailing road conditions for return back to our base lodge. Overnight in the comfort of the lodge and raise a toast to a challenge well met.
Dinner and overnight — Mountain Rock Lodge (1950M)
4
Leaving Mount Kenya behind our drive back to Nairobi will take about four hours, or if you are joining one of the extensions to Malindi Beach your trip will start today. The trip ends for people taking our pre-planned flights home. If you are joining our Mount Kilimanjaro extension you will take the bus the next day to Arusha, Tanzania.
NOTE: Trekkers arriving at Mt. Kenya if driving from Nairobi usually arrive in the early afternoon. Stay at our comfortable lodge in the lovely foothills (not included in the cost).
You can do a 3 – 4 hour acclimatization / nature walk up to the Mau Mau caves (2050m). Alternatively, you can spend this time visiting nearby local community farms and projects and thus help promote the community’s initiative in eco-tourism. Your visit here offers direct financial support to the people, who are neighbors of the Mount Kenya forest, which is a motivating factor to their continued assistance in the conservation of the endangered natural forest.
Enjoy some free time in the evening to organize your gear for the exciting adventure the next day (Day 1 of the actual itinerary).
NOTE: Trekkers arriving at Mt. Kenya if driving from Nairobi usually arrive in the early afternoon. Stay at our comfortable lodge in the lovely foothills (not included in the cost).
You can do a 3 – 4 hour acclimatization / nature walk up to the Mau Mau caves (2050m). Alternatively, you can spend this time visiting nearby local community farms and projects and thus help promote the community’s initiative in eco-tourism. Your visit here offers direct financial support to the people, who are neighbors of the Mount Kenya forest, which is a motivating factor to their continued assistance in the conservation of the endangered natural forest.
Enjoy some free time in the evening to organize your gear for the exciting adventure the next day (Day 1 of the actual itinerary).
5
PLEASE NOTE: On adventure trips of this type, weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize the effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.
Excellent blog by one of our Mt. Kenya trekkers: Climbing Mt. Kenya
Synopsis
Trip Grading:
Length: 5 days. Extension to safari.
Max. Altitude: 16,400 ft.
Land Cost: $1195 per person. Add-on to Africa Camping Safari
International Airfare: Apx $1750 from North America
Best times:
January - March
June - December
Departure dates: Any time with a minimum of two people. Extension to Africa Camping Safari or anytime from late June to late September and December, January, February.
Single Supplement: $290
Included in the land cost: Full service trek including local guide, porters, cook, food, Park entrance, accommodation and camping fees, accommodation, as mentioned in the itinerary and transport from the time of arrival at Mt. Kenya and drive back to Nairobi.
Not included in the cost: Sleeping bag, tips, Nairobi to Mt. Kenya drive, lodge stay in Mt. Kenya on the day of your arrival before departure for the trek on Day 1, things of personal nature.
You can also contact Canadian Himalayan Expeditions directly for more information.
Synopsis
Trip Grading:
Length: 5 days. Extension to safari.
Max. Altitude: 16,400 ft.
Land Cost: $1195 per person. Add-on to Africa Camping Safari
International Airfare: Apx $1750 from North America
Best times:
January - March
June - December
Departure dates: Any time with a minimum of two people. Extension to Africa Camping Safari or anytime from late June to late September and December, January, February.
Single Supplement: $290
Included in the land cost: Full service trek including local guide, porters, cook, food, Park entrance, accommodation and camping fees, accommodation, as mentioned in the itinerary and transport from the time of arrival at Mt. Kenya and drive back to Nairobi.
Not included in the cost: Sleeping bag, tips, Nairobi to Mt. Kenya drive, lodge stay in Mt. Kenya on the day of your arrival before departure for the trek on Day 1, things of personal nature.
You can also contact Canadian Himalayan Expeditions directly for more information.
