Let’s go and experience the mountain differently, we seek to reach the summits but we also commit to being aware of every moment on the way… we call it connection with self and nature, a beautiful journey up this snow-capped mountain of East Africa right at the Equator.
Mt. Kenya is one of the places every human should visit at least once in a lifetime. It offers a wholesome experience of fun, connection and self-discovery; so come with us and create your memories. And live to tell your mountain story!
Below is a brief description of the trail…
Day 1: Chogoria Forest gate (2650M ASl) Chogoria Gate Camp (2950m ASl) – 3hrs, 6km walk, 300m ascent
Meet at 7.00am outside the International life 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, we enjoy as we chat with our contact team at the base of the mountain. 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 we reach the camp (2950m) at around 4 pm. We set up our camp at the gate where we will enjoy excellent views of the mountain. If weather allows we will take a walk around the Bandas and we 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 Forest gate (2650M ASl) -Lake Ellis Camp (3450m) via Nithi Falls
After breakfast we start our day the through Hargenia forest and tussock grass. We cross a stream before passing a fisheries station on the right but still under the beautiful Hargenia trees. After an hour moderate walk we exit the forest and into the moorland, the Road End camp is an hour or so. Along the trails, we 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, we have our moments at the base as we enjoy the drop of every drop. Later we go up and branch to the left to view the caves and a beautiful water cascade another Nithi river tributary.
We later 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! We settle in and have lunch. Later in the afternoon, we can 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, we have dinner and take rest.

Day 3: Lake Ellis Camp (3450M Asl) to Mintos Camp (4200m Asl)- 6 hrs, 11km
Its 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, we follow the track through heather and the golden moorland. After 30 minutes we get to one of the streams that drain into the Nithi falls, we can refill our water bottles here as we take our first water break. From here its an uphill task emerging from the valley and behind us bidding Lake Ellis goodbye. After 2-3 hrs up we get to the intersection of the traditional Chogoria route and our path. This will be our Lunch break point. As we enjoy our lunch we now also from this point have a glimpse of Lake Michaelson.
After lunch and some good rest, we start again 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 we retire to our tents for a good rest and prepare for an early morning summit.

Day 4: Mintos/Point Lenana/Met Station – 11-12 hrs, 20km, 3000m descent

We 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,  we 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, we descend to Mackinders Camp for breakfast and continue down to Met Station. We bid the mountain goodbye and drive to Nairobi.