Welcome to a transformative adventure up the snow-capped peaks of Mt. Kenya, situated right on the Equator in East Africa. Join us as we not only strive to conquer the summits but also embrace every moment, fostering a deep connection with both self and nature. Mt. Kenya isn’t just a destination; it’s an invitation to a beautiful journey filled with fun, self-discovery, and unforgettable memories. Come with us and craft your own mountain story!
Day 1: Chogoria Forest gate (2650M ASl) – Meru Bandas (2950m ASl) – 3hrs, 6km walk, 300m ascent
Meet at 7.00am outside the International House (or other agreed location in Nairobi) to board our ride to Chogoria, the drive will take about 3 hours. At Chogoria an early lunch will be waiting (self- catered). Enjoy as we chat with our contact team in Chogoria. After lunch, take a transfer vehicle to the forest clearance, then 6km up from where the walk starts. The walk through the bamboo forest along the dirt road is relaxing and after 3 hours, arrive at the Bandas (2950m) enjoy excellent views of the mountain. If weather allows, one can take a walk around the Bandas and are likely to spot Buffalos, bushbucks and varied bird species. The walk also allows for beautiful views of Mugi and Ithanguni Hills. Later in the evening dinner is served. At night the clearance at the gate also allows for star gazing. A good camera is recommended to capture the moments.
Day 2: Chogoria Gate Camp (2950m Asl)- Lake Ellis Camp (3,450) via Nithi Falls-5 hrs, 9km, 500m ascent
After breakfast, start our day the through Hargenia forest and tussock grass. Cross a stream before passing a fisheries station on the right but still under the beautiful Hargenia trees. After an hour moderate walk, exit the forest and into the moorland, the Road End camp is an hour or so. Along the trails, enjoy views of Mugi Hill and the Giant Billiard Table. At the Road end camp, we stop to grab some snack and then continue down to the magical Nithi falls, have our moments at the base enjoying the drop of every drop. Later go up and branch to the left to view the caves and a beautiful water cascade another Nithi river tributary.
Head back to Road End camp and on deep into the moorland. After an hour and half we are in view of the beautiful lake Ellis. The Hindu Valley forms a beautiful background for the lake and an amazing reflection carved on the lake in blue and green. Pure magic! Settle in and have lunch. Later in the afternoon, try our luck at fishing and those still with energies are welcome to summit Mugi Hill… the views at the summit of Mugi Hills are to die for, the main peaks are in full view, Ithanguni is much closer and inviting. The sunset will be awesome here but you may find yourself running back to Lake Ellis because its magical. By the lake have dinner and take rest.
Day 3: Lake Ellis Camp (3450M Asl) to Mintos Camp (4200m Asl)- 6 hrs, 11km
It is a beautiful morning by the lake, be sure to wake up early to catch the sunrise, as the first light hits the undisturbed waters except for trouts in their wake to feed. After breakfast, follow the track through heather and the golden moorland. After 30 minutes get to one of the streams that drain into the Nithi falls, one can refill their water bottles here as we take our first water break. From here it’s an uphill task emerging from the valley and behind us bidding Lake Ellis goodbye. After 2-3 hours up, get to the intersection of the traditional Chogoria route and our path. This will be our Lunch break point. As we enjoy our lunch, from this point have a glimpse of Lake Michaelson.
After lunch and some good rest, start following the main trail up Mintos Camp and then branch off to the left after 20 minutes. From this point it’s a gentle uphill to the Camp. From the camp, if the mountain is not shy, reveals the two main peaks Lenana and Batian. In the afternoon if our energies are still up we can take a walk to Mintos Tarn and also down to the Temple- beautiful rock formation 20 minutes down the camp. Later in the evening early dinner is served and retire to our tents for a good rest and prepare for an early morning summit.
Day 4: Mintos/Point Lenana/Old Moses – 11-12 hrs, 23km, 3000m descent
Break camp at 2am towards the main peaks, after an hour above a flat marshy area at the end of the valley known as temple fields, start our push up to the 3rd highest point in Kenya, arriving at point Lenana at 6:00am to witness, if we are lucky, the spectacle that is the sun piercing planet earth, a mother of all sunrises. After taking photographs and taking in all the beauty, descend to Shipton Camp for breakfast and continue down to Old Moses.
After lunch, we’ll connect with our transfer vehicle for our return journey back to Nairobi arrival by late evening.
NOTE:
On tips;
This is dependent on the service provided – but we recommend 10 USD per day for the guide, 8USD per day for the Chef and 5USD for each porter per day. The final decision on how much to tip is up to you.
Water
Drinking water will be. boiled however if you can, carry water purifying tablets for your drinking water
Altitude Sickness
Standing at 4985m going to Lenana Peak the altitude is going to be an issue especially when you have not been this high before and you are unsure of how your body will react. We recommend a high altitude drug ‘Diamox’. You may need to visit a doctor to get a prescription.
