Mt. Kenya is the most beautiful mountain in Africa.
We are talking breathtaking alpine lakes and rock formations…the golden moorlands and waterfalls just to name a few.
There are a number of routes to consider but.. but if you are the less traveled path kind of a person.. this is your trail
The trail gives you full experience in each of the mountains zones.. a day in the rain forest two days in the bamboo forest and two in the golden moorland before experiencing the alpine desert as you complete the trek. Here is a brief snippet of what to expect from the trail.. note you have to walk this trail to experience fully.
The trailhead is the famous Castle Lodge.. with a view of the main peaks.
The indigenous forest welcomes you to the trail.. the sound of the river bubbling down is calming.. the birds chirping makes you feel at home.. take a moment in one of ancient bridges with a view of the cascades..
A detour at 8km point through wild berries undergrowths leads to a steep descent to a swimmable pool at the floor of the Ford Falls flowing from Gathiba River.
Old Kamweti Camp
Set at the edge of the bamboo zone the camp is on a clearance with old colonial structures
On a clear day, the camp has a very good view of the peaks Batian and Nelion, breakfast here as the sun hits the peaks is just a wonder.
Sagana River Camp
The trail from here on is purely tracing animal tracts majorly elephants.. think bamboo forests hugging each other… Its a canopy walk to Sagana River Camp.
Set at the edge of Sagana River camp is one of the favorite spot on this route, the huge rocks in the river offer vantage places to just sit, converse and learn from nature and camping here allows for longer moments of connection.
Further up is still more bamboo forest soon replaced by giant heather, the walk under these giant moss covered trees is overwhelming..the heart is awed, renewed and refreshed all in one sweep.
The Moorland with golden lure
It is probably the longest moorland trail in the country, after a day and a half in bamboo forest and giant heather…the open landscape is such a welcome, regaining the amazing views of the peaks
Thegu Valley
Thegu river meanders down the Thegu valley. Hit by morning or the evening sun its a golden yellow valley that dazzles.
Lake Howell
Lunch by the lake is by far the highlight of going up Mt. Kenya through this trial, the background is a huge volcanic rock formation and beyond is the main peaks (Batian Nelion, Lenana), this is a place you want to have lunch forever.
Teleki Valley
Soon after lunch by the lake is an hours trek as the moorland shrinks we enter the giant Lobelia zone.
As the sight of the lake disappears we enter into Teleki Valley to join the Naromoru Trail, the views of Batian and Lenana even closer.
Summit Push
Mackinders camp is a shared base camp for Kamweti and Naromoru trails. Its one of the longest summit to point Lenana taking about 4-6hours.
It is recommended starting at 2am aiming to reach point Lenana at 6.20am ready to watch the sun pierce the edge of the earth from the 3rd highest point.
Lewis Glacier
The only size-able glacier remaining on the mountain. In our final push to the summit they lat on the left side of the trail from Austrian Hut (4700m Asl).
Via Ferrata in Mt. Kenya
At around 4800m asl there runs a cable all the way up to point Lenana. This is the highest via Ferrata in the world the cable helps trekkers to safely scale the last steep section of the summit
Point Lenana
It is the third highest point and its the trekkable peak of the three main in peaks since the other two Nelion and Batian can only be achieved through (technical)climbing.
From this point depending on the itinerary one can opt to descend through Sirimon or Chogoria trail, each trail with more beauty to offer.
You have chance soon to experience this trail starting 20th November for six days, if you would like to join us for this rarely taken trail here are the details. For more trails in Mt. Kenya see other packages here.
We also have exciting treks happening every Saturday of the year, to be part of the adventures journeys get a copy of the adventure calendar to ease your planning.
See you on the trails.
