Mt. Kenya Trekking

Introduction:
Tourism is ever on the increase-not surprisingly! in this varied and interesting country. But we realize that being a tourist is not always easy, especially for those who enjoy physical activity. After long hours spent sitting in minibuses, it is refreshing to know that there is at least one place in Kenya where you can stretch your legs- and work off some of the extra calories you have accumulated from those fancy buffet luncheons.

Our safaris to Mt. Kenya cover a broad spectrum of possibilities. We have designed many new itineraries to meet a variety of demands from all types of individuals. We cater to the needs of a range of visitors, from the nature admirer who simply wants to have a leisurely day around the lodge or a day hike to explore the unique lower forest of the Mt.Kenya slopes – hoping to have a glimpse of the summits. To the more ambitious, who wishes to summit Pt. lenana, we feel that the suggested itineraries offer the best value.

However, because the mountain is so large and offers such a diversity of trekking and climbing routes, should there be a need for a special itinerary that you require, please let us know and we will assist you in every way. We will be only too glad to tailor make the itinerary suited to you.

GENERAL INFORMATION LODGE FACILITIES
Accommodation ranges from full board on Standard rooms, Superior, Deluxe, Cottages, to mountain climbers’
bunkhouses and camping.

Self-service log cabins are available for parties of two to seven, ideal for families and those wishing to prepare their own meals. Cooking and dining facilities are provided, as well as bathroom and W.C. However, self-service clients can still take their meals in the restaurant, have use of the bar and enjoy our outdoor grill. Climber’s bunkhouses are equipped with wooden bunks and mattresses, a shared cooking area, showers and W.C. The campsite located near the bunkhouses, enjoys the same facilities. The lodge restaurant features international cuisine with friendly service and an informal atmosphere. We also have a deck level swimming pool, Sauna, Massage services, Tennis and Squash courts, nature trail plus a Mountain Biking track. In addition to these, we have the outdoor Naro Moru River Lodge Challenge course.

HOW TO GET NARO MORU RIVER LODGE
The Naro Moru River Lodge is a 2-3 hour drive (170 km.) from Nairobi and just 1.5 Km. From the main Nairobi-Nanyuki road, adjacent to Naro Moru town. Arrangements can be made for clients to be picked by the Lodge shuttle van.

HEALTH AND FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
Anyone contemplating one of our expeditions should take regular exercise. It is recommended that you start a training program at least one, if not two months before your safari. “Running, swimming, cycling and stair-climbing are all good ways of toning up muscles.”

SEASONS FOR CLIMBING MT. KENYA
It has been generally accepted that our climbing seasons are from mid-December to mid- March and from mid June-to the end of September.

However, these traditional weather patterns seem to be the exception rather than the rule: the chances of encountering good weather on the mountain seem to be about equal throughout the year, so the timing of your safari is not as critical as once was.

GUIDES
Our professional local guides provide quality service on all our safaris.

DISCLAIMER: Mountain climbing may be hazardous. Always take advice from your guide.

ALL INCLUSIVE SAFARIS MT. KENYA DAY TRIP:
Our day trip is designed for the visitor who has limited time and who is not interested in reaching any of the summits. This safari is tailored to those who are interested in seeing the fascinating vegetation zones of an equatorial mountain and the associated rich animal and bird life.

On this safari departure from the lodge is 08 00hrs after briefing and equipment sorting by the guides. Then drive for 16 kms to the park gate where you check-in the Mount Kenya national park, after a few minute of photo taking and viewing some wildlife such as bushbucks, waterbucks, baboons and bird life you board our vehicle which drives up to the road head of the Naro Moru Track, make a stopover at the Percival waterfall before getting to Met station camp, at an altitude of 3048M.

The guides will do a short talk and explain more about the vegetation around the camp. You will be provided with packed lunch then guides will set a leisurely pace for a relaxing trek up the mountain through different vegetations from bamboo forest, hagenia trees to heathers trees and beginning of moorland covered by tussock grass and flowered cabbage roberias, also great views of lowland and Aberdare ranges. Along the way you will enjoy the enriched forest of birdlife and flowers on the high altitudes.
After 3- 4 hrs of ascending you will be on top of Teleki valley where we have the picnic rocks in time for lunch(3,700m). Enjoy your packed lunch with a good view.

After the lunches continue your stroll to the crest of the ridge at 4,000m, from which vantage point you have a splendid view of the main peaks as well as the Teleki Valley.
Then descend down to Met Station (2-3hrs) where we find our vehicle waiting and be transferred back to the lodge.

6 DAYS FOOT SAFARI TO MT. KENYA: CHOGORIA -SIRIMON

The Chogoria route is arguably the most magnificent ascent route to the summit area. It is the driest route up the mountain and the walk beside the Gorges Valley is truly spectacular.

The descent by the Sirimon route takes one through some beautiful forest tracks and completes the traverse of the mountain. Accommodation on this trek is 3 nights in mountain huts and 2 nights camping.

Day 1: Naromoru riverlodge- Mt Kenya Bandas (2,900m) 3hrs, 10km walk, 950m ascent.
Depart from the lodge at 0800hrs, driving through agricultural country up to Chogoria town for lunch. After lunch, we drive up to the edge of the bamboo forest where we start our trekking through the dense bamboo forest for a distance of 10 km up to the Mt Kenya Bandas.
Dinner and overnight at the Mount Kenya camp site.

Day 2: Mt Kenya Bandas – Lake Ellis Campsite ( 3,600m) 3hrs, 9km, 700m ascent.
After breakfast and sorting of porter loads we set off up the mountain at a nice and easy pace A slightly longer walk via Lake Ellis gives scenic views of Mugi, Ithanguni, and the Giants Billiards Table, whilst if we follow the river near road head, upstream for about 3 km, the foreground scenery and flora is particularly beautiful.

Lunch on the banks of a stream, then it’s time to cut up the left-hand hillside to our camp at about 3,600m, well away from any of the more “touristy” areas.

Day 3: Lake Ellis- Minto`s Camp. ( 4,200m) 4 hrs, 12km, 600m ascent.
Similar early start. Again well off the beaten track to follow a ridge up the mountain for about 3 hours to eventually join the tourist track on the normal Chogoria route at an altitude of about 4,100m. Breath-taking views over the Gorges Valley and back over towards Ithanguni and the Northern Moorlands.
Lunch is served at a small stream crossing, before continuing for a further hour to the Mintos Hut area at 4200m and our night’s rest.
The afternoon is spent relaxing at camp, though a 10-minute walk to the “Temple” is well worth the effort. This is a 150 meters vertical cliff that gets its name from the position visitors often adopt when peering over the edge – they look as if they are praying.

Day 4: Minto`s – Austrian hut 4,700m(top hut) 4 hrs, 7km, 500m ascent.
Today we begin our trek ascending up along the foot of huge rock walls.
From the top, we`ll have an excellent view of Mt. Kenya. After ascending for a couple of hours you reach Tooth Col. From here you traverse until you reach the Austrian Hut for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Austrian camp – Pt Lenana – Liki North camp. 7 hrs, 20km, 285m ascent – 1,058 descent.
Leave at 5.00 am for predawn attempt, climbing for 1 hour across bare rock and scree slopes characteristic of the alpine region up to Pt Lenana – the hiker`s summit, arriving in time to catch the African sunrise. Descend to Shipton’s camp for breakfast and a short rest. After breakfast, we begin a 3-4-hour descent via Mackinder`s valley to Liki North camp (3,900m). The descent is gentle and it offers ample time to enjoy fascinating scenery which includes the moorlands before reaching the camp.Dinner and overnight at the Liki North.

Day 6: Liki North camp – Old Moses. 2 hrs, 5km, 680m descent.
After early morning breakfast, descend for 3 hours up to Old Moses camp to catch a vehicle for transfer to the lodge arriving in the afternoon.

6 DAYS BEST OF MT. KENYA –(06 DAYS, 05 OVERNIGHT)
This trek offers some of the best views of the main peaks with a gradual ascent which can be done leisurely, we traverse the mountain by ascending the Sirimon track, join the best of Timau, then join the best of Chogoria and Descend the Naro Moru track.

Day 1: Morning spent sorting and organizing equipment for the mountain trek and be driven to the Sirimon gate. An easy 3 hrs walk through equatorial forest to Judmaier’s Camp (3,300m) for overnight in the high altitude mountain tents.

Day 2: After breakfast trek up the moorland and break away from Sirimon track at altitude of 3,940m, contouring into the Sirimon Valley. This is a seldom visited area with a tremendous amount of wildlife. Overnight in Sirimon Valley, altitude 3,940m.

Day 3: An early start out of the Sirimon Valley and into the head of the Hinde Valley. We then cross the Nithi and Gorges Valleys. This is undoubtedly one of the most scenic areas of the mountain with its 1,000 – vertical cliffs, its virgin valleys and cascading water-fall, is one of the most spectacular trekked areas in Kenya. Night camped at Hall Tarns(4,300m).

Day 4: Descend to Lake Michaelson, in the depth of the Gorges Valley. See the incredible cave formation known as the Temple. Walk down the valley to Vivienne falls (named after the famous author of Speak to the Earth). Return to camp in the afternoon. Overnight at Hall Tarns (4,300m.).

Day 5: Alpine ascent on the third highest peak Pt.Lenana (4,985m). En route up north face little used by tourists. 04 hours of walking to the summit. Descend to Teleki Valley and spend the night at our Mackinders Camp (4,150m).

Day 6: Descend the mountain via the Naro Moru route completing a fine circuit of Mt. Kenya, to the Naro Moru River Lodge.

7 DAYS CHOGORIA TRAVERSE –(07 DAYS, 06 OVERNIGHTS)

Day 1: Depart from the Naro Moru River Lodge at 10.00am after sorting all the equipment; the journey goes through to Meru Town a rich coffee growing area before finally arriving at Chogoria, then up to the forest gate and for overnight camping. This is a distance of 200km. from the Lodge.

Day 2: After breakfast walk up to Bairuni clearing (2,370m) about 04 hours of trekking and overnight.

Day 3: Walk up to gate cliffs through Uramandi hut, near Mt. Kenya Forest Lodge (about 2,940 m.) and overnight. (walking time 05-06 hours)

Day 4: Trek up a bit steep areas through Mugi hills to get to Lake Ellis at 3,460m. and overnight. (walking time 05 hours).

Day 5: Hike along Hinde Valley to the Hall Tarns/Mintos Hut overnight 4,300m. (walking time 06 hours).

Day 6:The climax of the expedition is to ascend Pt. Lenana 4,985m via Simba Col, Lake Harris, Kobe Peak and to Mackinders Camp for overnight in our Teleki Lodge 4,150 m. (02 hrs walk).

Day 7: After breakfast descend through Naro Moru route- vertical bog to Met. Station, for transfer back to Naro Moru River Lodge (03 – 04 hours walk. Lunch extra cost at Naro Moru River Lodge.

SEVEN DAY TIMAU TREK
The Timau Track, the main access route on the north side on the mountain lies in a major rain shadow. However, because you are inside a low rainfall zone it generally makes up for a drier safari and a more pleasant trek. The views from the north give you the impression that you are trekking into a whole mountain range.

Day 1: After sorting equipment be driven to timau road head where you will begin your trek up Mt. Kenya from the north. (Overnight in high altitude mountains tents – Timau road head). 3,300m

Day 2: Hiking across the beautiful northern moorland of Mt. Kenya with its unique flora and possibly seeing some of the wildlife, which wander up these northern slopes – zebra, eland, etc. Camp near the Western Marania River.3, 700m.

Day3: Continue your trek over rolling moorland country to camp at the headquarters of the Kathita East drainage.3, 950m.

Day 4: Hike up to the spectacular Hall Tarns where the beautiful rock formation known as the Temple stands guard over Lake Michaelson 1000 vertical feet below.4, 090m

Day 5: Penetrate the defenses of the Temple and descend to the Lake Michaelson and enjoy the scenic wonder of the
magnificent area. Truly a trekker’s paradise 4,300m

Day 6: An early start to ensure a successful summit bid for main objective Pt. Lenana (4,985m- the 3rd highest peak). Descend to Mackinders Camp through the Naro Moru Track.

Day 7: After breakfast descend the mountain via the Naro Moru Route completing a fine circuit of Mt. Kenya, to the Naro Moru River Lodge for a well –earned rest.

SEVEN DAYS THE LAND OF CONTRASTS
This Safari to Mt. Kenya gives the visitor the opportunity to experience all the contrasting scenery of Mt. Kenya. This safari is a beautiful blend of all our itineraries, taking advantage of the best aspects of the three main approach routes to the peak area: Naro Moru, Sirimon and Chogoria.

Day 1: Morning spent sorting and organizing personal equipment for the mountain trek, then driven to the Sirimon Gate. Afternoon walk of 2hrs helps to acclimatize, hopefully you will be lucky to see some game on the way. Night spent at the gate (2,570m.).

Day 2: This day incorporates a picnic on the Mt. Kenya day hike. This is very interesting and enjoyable day spent in the depths of the forest. Night will be spent at road head, at the Judmaier Camp (3,300m.).

Day 3: After breakfast we begin our trek up the moorland and break away from the Sirimon Track at an altitude of 3,940m, contouring into the Sirimon Valley. This is a seldom –visited area which harbours a tremendous amount of wildlife. Overnight in the Sirimon Valley, altitude 3,940m (camping)

Day 4: An early start out of the Sirimon Valley and into the head of the Hinde Valley. We then cross the Nithi and Gorges Valleys. This is undoubtedly one of the most scenic areas of the mountain. With its, 1,000ft. vertical cliffs, its virgin valleys and cascading waterfalls, it certainly is one of the most spectacular trekking areas in Kenya. Night at Hall Tarns (4,300m).
Day 5: Descend to Lake Michaelson, in the depth of the Gorges Valley. We will also see the incredible cave formation known as the Temple and we walk down the valley to Vivenne Falls (named after the famous author of Speak to the Earth). Return to camp in the afternoon. Overnight night at Hall Tarns (4,300m)- camping.

Day 6: An early start to attempt the third highest peak- Pt.lenana(4985m), 3- 4 hrs stiff and slow ascent to be on top for the sunrise. We then descend to Teleki Valley via Austrian hut down to Teleki lodge for overnight in bandas (4,150m.).

Day 7: Descend to Met. Station for pickup and transfer back to the Naro Moru River Lodge for a well-earned rest.

ROCK CLIMBING ON MOUNT KENYA (BATIAN 5,169M AND /OR NELION 5158M.)
For information only.
Because of Mt. Kenya’s unique position on the equator, climbing seasons and route conditions vary with the sun’s position. For example, a climber interested in doing one of the best ice routes, which are on the south side of the mountain, should climb when the sun is in the north, between the months of June and December.
However, during the same period the east and north sides are in the best condition for rock climbing. Conversely, when the sun is in the south, the south side offers the best rock routes and north the better ice climbing conditions.

Recommended routes December-March
Normal Route, Standard IV (rock: South West Ridge, Standard V (rock routes).

June-September
North Face, Standard IV (rock Route).

6 DAYS ROCK CLIMBING – Batian peak ( northface , standard route)

DAY 1: Morning spent sorting out equipments with the help of the guide. Depart the lodge before midday and drive to through equator, Nanyuki town to Sirimon gate (1 hrs).a leisurely and easy walk in through the rain forest to help acclimatization (3 hrs walk), overnight Judmaier’s Camp (3,300m) in the high altitude mountain tents.

DAY 2: An early start out of the Sirimon valley and hike over Mackinder’s valley (one of the broadest on valley ) where you have spectacular view of the main peaks. The cook makes a cold lunch at the lunch point. Proceed down Mackinders valley to Shiptons camp where we overnight just below the main peaks (4300m – walking time 6-7hrs)

DAY 3: Pre-dawn ascent to the third highest peak, Pt. Lenana (4985m), through the north faces to be on summit for the sunrise. Four hours of walking to the summit, then descend back to Shiptons camp. Afternoon hike up to kami camp for overnight just below Batian peak.
Note; ascending Pt. Lenana helps to acclimatize before attempting the main peaks.

DAY 4: Early start to attempt Pt. Batian via northface, standard IV. The climb takes 10hrs climb. And descend down to Shiptons’ camp.

DAY 5: After breakfast traverse out from Mackinders valley to Teleki valley then down to Met. Station for overnight in mountain bandas (6 – 7 hrs walk).

DAY 6: Descend from Met. Station, hike down through mountain forest to park gate for a transfer to the lodge.

6 DAYS ROCK CLIMBING, Batian Via Nelion peak.( Normal route, Standard IV)

DAY 1: Morning spent sorting and organizing personal equipment for the trek. Be driven to the park gate where we start a 3hrs walk through the equatorial rain forest rich of animal and birdlife, parked lunch enroute to the Met Station where we spend the night in the mountain log cabins, a good day for acclimatization for we will be sleeping at an altitude of 3,050m. A short hike is taken in the afternoon to gain and loose altitude.( 3 hrs)

DAY 2: Early start hike up through hagenia zone to the forest line where we start the moorland zone covered by tussock glass and heathers zone. Hike over the Teleki valley where there is a spectacular view of the main peaks, lunch en route. Walking time 5-6 hours, Arrive at Teleki Lodge late afternoon and overnight (4,100m).

DAY 3: A pre dawn start is made to ensure a successful summit bid and in time for a clear view of majestic summit scenery after sunrise (ascending Pt. Lenana helps people to acclimatize before climbing Nelion and Batian), then descend down to the Austrian hut (4750m) just below the main peaks. In the afternoon sort out climbing equipments ready for an early start.

DAY 4: Early start attempt Pt. Nelion (rock climbing) through normal route standard IV, will take 6 – 7hrs to the top of Nelion (5177). For those climbers not attempting Batian will turn around and descend. For the climbers attempting Batian peak will overnight on top of Nelion at Howell’s hut.

DAY 5: Climbers to traverse through Gates of mist to the highest point- Batian (5188m top of Mt. Kenya) then turn and descend via Nelion down to Austrian hut. Proceed to Teleki lodge for overnight in bandas.

DAY 6: After breakfast hike down through the moorland zone, heathers zone, mountain forest to the Met. Station for a pickup and transfer to the lodge for a well-earned rest.

Note; technical climbing in Mount Kenya needs a well trained rock climber. For any climber not confident enough we highly recommend you hire a rock climbing guide to lead the climb.
In case of accidents while climbing, we have rescue team managed by kenya wildlife services.