We promised the less traveled path we give you exactly that.
The Timau Trail up Lenana Point is special in many ways..it has this fantastic charm as it brings a feeling of solitude and peace into this great mountain trek. It brings to life some of the most beautiful and scenic sites on the mountain; the rainforest, the moorland, the lakes, and out-of-this-world volcanic rock formations. t it is also your best chance to see wildlife and birdlife at higher altitudes, with an abundance of Zebra, Eland, Daiker, Buffalo, and if you’re really lucky. Come experience this magical trail with us.
Day 1 – Timau Gate (2700m) to Marania Camp (3200m)
Hours walking: 3hrs
Distance: 9km
Altitude gain: 500m, 1,970 ft
Overnight at Marania Camp (3,200m, 12,470 ft)
Your tour starts in Nanyuki and from here you’ll be driven to the Timau Gate, which is about an hour away. Your trek begins as soon as you pass through the Timau Gate and set off for the heights of Mount Kenya. You will start off by walking through the beautiful moorlands characterised by patches of bamboo and heather and other locally endemic flora. You will enjoy lunch on the rim of a crater from which you’ll likely see some mountain species such as the mountain eland, zebra and even the occasional elephant – all of which are endemic to this area. Later in the afternoon you will arrive at the camp where you can enjoy some splendid panoramic views of this northern Kenya as you relax after your exertions.
Day 2 – Marania Camp (3200m) to Majors Camp(3,800m, 10,500 ft)
Hours walking: 8 hrs
Distance: 14km
Altitude gain: 600m, 1,970 ft
Overnight at Majors Camp (3,800m, 12,470 ft)
It’s an early after-breakfast start today, as you continue to trek through the moorlands and continue your ascent through the foothills. As you walk, the peaks of the Mount Kenya massif should be visible ahead, giving you something to focus on. All around there are spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, which is lush and green. You will enjoy a quick lunch besides the Marania Stream before continuing through rolling foothills, which some say resemble the highlands of Scotland. In the afternoon you’ll arrive at Major’s Camp in time for dinner and your overnight stay.
Arrive in Majors Camp after walking through the rolling hills that make up the Moorland Zone, the camp is set up at the base of the valley near some very dramatic rock faces. Some wildlife have been known to frequent the area, previous guests have had sightings of the rare Serval Cat
Day 3 – Majors Camp to Simba Tarn
Distance: 12km
Hours walking: 8 hrs
Altitude gain: 850m, 2,790 ft
Overnight at Simba Tarn Camp (4,650m, 15,255 ft)
This morning, after a restful night’s sleep, you will start the long hike towards the lower Simba Tarn (4600m), meaning that you will be edging out the moorland zone and into the alpine. This part of the journey is a unique experience through a fascinating lunar landscape populated with very distinctive and beautiful vegetation and a proliferation of birdlife. Lunch will be enjoyed at the head of the Hobley Valley amidst some of the most bizarre flora on the mountain – the giant lobelias. Later you will arrive at the lower Simba Tarn Camp, where breathtaking views of the Gorges valley and surrounding peaks can be gazed out upon over a cup of tea.
Day 4 – Simba Tarn to Lenana and down to the Old Moses Camp via Shipton Camp
Distance: 18km
Hours walking: 12hrs
Altitude gain: 335m, 1,100 ft
It’s a very early start to prepare ourselves for the two-and-a-half-hour walk to the summit (4985m) where we will watch the sunrise over the mountain and ridges. Once again breathtaking views of the lofty peaks are on full display as the valleys below are slowly illuminated by the sun’s rays. Afterwards, you will descend to the camp for a full and hearty breakfast. Down the splendid Mackinders Valley once in a while look back and see the far you have come, the high peaks bidding you goodbye. The long descent is a test of patience and as you go a few uphill near the viewpoint and again up Liki Valley after crossing Liki North River. Continue further down the North side of the mountain to Old Moses Camp where the 4 day trek ends.