Features

Mount Kenya, Africa's second highest mountain at 5,199m (17,058 feet) and the highest of all Kenya Mountains, is roughly circular, about 60km across at the 200mm contour, where the steep font hills rise out of the gentler slopes of the centered highlands. At the centre of the massif, the main peaks rise sharply from around 4,500m to the main summit of Batian 5,199m, Nelion 5,188m and point Lenana 4,985m. Other major summits on the mountain include Point Piggott 4,957m, Point Dutton 4,885 and Point John 4,883m. Of the three main peaks (Batian, Lenana and Nelion), only point Lenana can be reached by trekkers and the other two being only for technical climbers. It is the second highest peak in Africa and stands some what unjustly in the shadow of it's taller neighbour Kilimanjaro, which lies some 320km away in the south and is visible on a clear day. Kilimanjaro may see much more traffic - due to the possibility of summiting via several non-technical trekking routes and due to the sometimes dubious honour of being one of the Seven Summits - but Mount Kenya offers a wealth of excellent and diverse climbing possibilities on rock, snow and ice Mt. Kenya is an ancient volcanic mountain much older than Mt. Kilimanjaro. It's believed to have once reached well above 600m. What is left today is volcanic plug which erosion has fashioned into the complex jagged outline of the central peaks.

What you expect to see
While trekking the Mt. Kenya, you will pass through the cultivated farmlands on the lower slopes as the trails pass through the rain forest, rich in trees of many species but noticeably camphors, then onto a bamboo zone growing to heights of more than 12m or more up through open moor land before reaching the moonscape of higher slopes. The forests are rich in wildlife including elephant, buffalo and monkeys with even the moor lands offering a long list of mammals including the rock hyrax, the nearest living relative of the elephant. Sunbirds, hyrax and soaring eagles make the walk around the peaks one of the most beautiful expeditions in the East African mountains.

Getting to Mount Kenya from Nairobi
Mount Kenya is approximately 200km north of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, and is comfortably accessible by road using a variety of transport options - buses, mini buses, taxi cab or a car hire will get you close to the mountain on the tarred roads to the nearest town: Naromoru town for Naro Moru route, Nanyuki town for Sirimon route and Chogoria town for Chogoria route. The last stretch from the nearest town to the various trailheads (typically +/- 25km) will be on dirt roads and these can be in poor condition (especially in wet weather) and require a 4WD, or an approach on foot.

When to Trek Mount Kenya
Although, Mount Kenya can be climbed all year round, the highest rainfall occurs between late March and the middle of May, and slightly less between late October and mid December. Maximum rainfall occurs in the forest belt and on the south-east side of the mountain where it reaches 2500mm. per year at 3000m. Rain and, higher up, snow can however be encountered at any time of year - even in the driest periods (January and February). Normally the drier seasons are associated with clear, dry weather which can last for many days on end. The best weather is generally in the mornings, and convectional rainfall, if any, tends to come in the mid-afternoon.

Temperatures
Temperatures vary considerably with height and with time of day. At 3000m frosts can be encountered at night while day temperatures range from 5 to 15°C. Night time temperatures on the summit are well below freezing. The south-facing side of Mount Kenya receives more sunshine in the December to March period. During this time rock climbs are "in-condition" and snow and ice climbs gradually deteriorate. In the June to October period the north-facing rock climbs and south-facing ice climbs are best.

The normal pattern of weather on Mount Kenya is for clear mornings with mist closing in from 10:00am although this can clear by evening. Therefore, early morning starts are the order of the day with a 2am start for the final ascent to point Lenana, if you want to catch the sunrise.

Best time to climb
It’s best to climb Mt. Kenya during the dry seasons: January - February and August to September off the most reliably fine weather. The main routes are likely to be more crowded at this time of the year. If you favor complete solitude over the sunny skies, try going slightly off the peak season. Its best to avoid the two rainy seasons from mid March until June and from late October to the end of December.

Mount Kenya Vegetation
Mount Kenya is home to some fascinating high-altitude alpine vegetation including giant groundsels and lobelias. In the lower-altitude forest zone trekkers may come across some rather large and uncompromising African wildlife such as elephants and buffalo - fortunately these are mostly active only at night. Lions, leopard, rock hyrax, various antelope species and a wide range of other creatures large and small occur in the park.

There are three main routes, which penetrate the forest and the moorland. The routes are: Naromoru route, Sirimon route and Chogoria route and each of which has something different to offer. The other routes which are dormant are the Timau Route, Burguret Route, Meru Route and Kamweti Route

 Climbing Mount Kenya Sirimon route - The least used of the three main routes, but features the most gradual ascent profile and best acclimatisation options and above all the most interesting since its on the drier side on the mountain. The route passes through impressive Yellowwood forests in the lower reaches and features abundant wildlife and beautiful alpine scenery higher up.

Climbing Mount Kenya Naro Moru route - The fastest route to point Lenana but not as scenic as the other two. It is often overcrowded with many climbers since it's the most popular route compared to Chogoria route and Sirimon route.

Mount Kenya Climbing Chogoria route - The most scenic and interesting of the three main routes on the mountain. The route passes the enchanting Hall Tarns and looks down sheer cliffs into the spectacular Gorges Valley and onto the beautiful Lake Michaelson.

Some of Mount Kenya Climbing Itineraries include:-

• 7 Days/6 Nights: The Best of Mount Kenya Region
• 6 days / 5 nights: Mt Kenya climb Sermon out Chagrin route

7 Days / 6 Nights: The Best of Mount Kenya Region

Highlights: this is the best tour of Mount Kenya region. View the large agricultural fields that were once white settlers highland. Experience the cool climate the region.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival- Nairobi
On arrival at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be meant by our tour manager who will brief on your trip and then be transferred to your hotel. Then have a city tour visiting the Nairobi Safari walk, Karen Blixen and The Ngong Hills if time allows. Dinner at your own arrangement .Overnight at Norfolk hotel

Day 2: Nairobi -Aberdares National Park
After an early break fast, drive northwards passing the pineapple plantations (the 3rd world largest pineapple plantations), drive towards Karatina which hosts the largest market in East Africa. Drive further to the town of Mweiga for lunch at the Aberdare Country Club. After lunch you will transferred by the lodge’s 4WD vehicles up the forest to the Ark where you spend the evening viewing game from the hotel balconies the numerous wildlife that come to drink at the salt lick close to this eco - lodge. Dinner and overnight at the Ark.

The Aberdares host a rich montane bird fauna. Most of Kenya's highland species are found here. The reserves are also rich in big game such as elephant, buffalo and antelope the bongo.

Day 3: Aberdares - Mount Kenya Safari Club
After breakfast proceed the few kilometers north to Mount Kenya Safari Club, a luxurious retreat with spectacular views across the forested slopes to the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya. Among the activities available within the grounds of these manicured lawns and ornamental ponds are - swimming, tennis, golf, bowling, croquet, trout fishing and game viewing. All meals and overnight at Mount Kenya Safari Club

Day 4: Mount Kenya Safari Club -Sweetwaters
After breakfast, drive to Sweetwaters a paradise in an arid area. Watch the game in an up-close view. Sweetwaters is a paradise to the Maasai given the name Sweetwaters as it was a well watered place why their animals came to drink water. Have lunch at sweet water Serena. After lunch visit the adjacent animal sanctuary, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy where you can only see the chimps in Kenya. The chimps were once captives in their indigenous countries of Burundi, Rwanda and Congo. Dinner and overnight at Sweetwaters Serena Tented Camps

Day 5: Sweetwaters -Mount Kenya
After breakfast drive to Mount Kenya national park passing meandering through the valleys of Nyambene hills and arrive at mountain lodge in good time for lunch. After lunch have view game from the tree lodges balcony and take a nature walk guided by an experience naturalist. Dinner and overnight at Mountain Lodge

Mt Kenya national park is unique for its pristine wilderness, lakes and glaciers as well as peaks of great beauty, the park's fauna include high altitude adapted plains game and its flora includes unique montane and alpine vegetation with numerous species of endemic plants.

Day 6: Mount Kenya National Park
After breakfast, have a full day hiking Mount Kenya. Have picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight at mountain Serena lodge.

Day 7: Nairobi -Departure
After breakfast drive back to Nairobi and arrive in good time for lunch at carnivore restaurant, thereafter, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your next destination.

Total cost: US$2400 per person sharing. 1100 single supplement.

Tour cost includes
Transport with a minibus with photographic roof to ease sight seeing
Government taxes
Service of an English speaking guide
Accommodation and meals as per itinerary.
Tour costs excludes
Items of personal nature such as laundry, telephone bills, drink both soft alcoholic and non alcoholic among others.
No air fares are included in this safari.

6 days / 5 nights: Mt Kenya climb Sermon out Chagrin route

Itinerary:

Day 1: Nairobi-Nanyuki
Transfer from Nairobi to Nanyuki in the morning. Have lunch then go for a walking tour to the equator. Dinner and overnight at Simbas lodge.

Mt Kenya national park is unique for its pristine wilderness, lakes and glaciers as well as peaks of great beauty, the park's fauna include high altitude adapted plains game and its flora includes unique montane and alpine vegetation with numerous species of endemic plants.

Day 2: Sirimon gate to Judmaier camp
After Breakfast drive to Sirimon Park gate and trek for 3 - 4 hours to Old Moses Camp (Judmaier) through a beautiful forest with East African Pencil Cedar trees, Poducarpus trees and the giant Hygenia trees. From Judmaier camp you can see the summits of Batian and Nelion peaks: 9kms

Day 3: Old Moses (Judmaier) camp to Shiptons camp
this is about a 6 - 8 hour hike crossing Liki and Mackinders valleys, there is a great view of Tereri and Sendeo peaks. And also a great view of Nanyuki town and beautiful terrain. Shipton's camp has also an excellent setting with the north faces of Nelion peak and Batian peak. 13kms

Day 4: Shipton's camp to Point Lenana and then descend to Mintos Camp.
This hike is about 4 and half hours hike through some of the most spectacular sceneries like Gorges valley the Halls Tarns and the Lake Elies at a far distance. Overnight at Mintos Campsite

Day 5: Mintos (Halls tarns camp) to Meru Mt.Kenya Lodge (Bandas)
This hike is anywhere between 4 - 6 hours. This area has spectacular views down into the Gorges valley with Lake Michaelson and Vivienne falls, and across on the other side you can see Ithanguni peak, Rotundu peaks and the Giant Flat -- top Kilingo hill table. 18kms

Day 6: Chagrin gate to Chogoria town
About 6 - 8 hours, on dirt roads through a thick bamboo forest and tropical forest. The forest is really beautiful with chances of seeing wildlife and Columbus monkeys. Transfer to Nairobi arriving late afternoon, where you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your next destination.

Cost- US$ 1920 per person sharing

Prices of inclusive of:
Return transfer Nairobi -Nanyuki/Chogoria-Nairobi
3 meals per day while trekking
4 days Mt. Kenya trek
5 nights accommodation while trekking
2 transfer from Nanyuki/Chogoria- park gate- return
all government park fees
4x4 transport on Chogoria route
English Speaking Mountain Guides and Porters
Accommodation at Nanyuki Simbas lodge

Prices Exclusive of:
-Gloves, Sun glasses, Sleeping bag, Hats, Rain suits, Warm Jacket, Heavy boots, Scarf's.
-Items of personal nature such as laundry, telephone bills, drink both soft alcoholic and non alcoholic among others.