Day 1 Sirimon Gate Old Moses Camp
- Hiking Time: 3 hrs
- Total Distance: 10km
- Starting Altitude: 2610m
- Final Altitude: 3300m
- Habitat: Montane forest
You will drive from Meru national park to the Sirimon Gate of Mt. Kenya National Park at 2600m. It is not uncommon to see baboons running through the trees and across the grass fields in front of the gate. Elephants are sometimes spotted here as well. We start our trek with a 3 to 4-hour hike up through the forest to Old Moses camp at 3,300m.
Mount Kenya is Africa’s second highest mountain at 5,199m (17,058 feet) and the highest of all Kenya Mountains. Mount Kenya 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 center of the massif, the main peaks rise sharply from around 4,500m to the main summit of Batian at 5,199m, Nelion at 5,188m, and point at Lenana at 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 are only for technical climbers.
Day 2 Old Moses Camp –Likii north valley
- Hiking Time: 4-5hrs
- Total Distance: 9km
- Starting Altitude: 3,300m
- Final Altitude: 3,993m
After breakfast, the hike starts through the barrow, towards the Likii North Valley, here the moorland offers a gentle climb through fascinating vegetation with a chance of seeing the peaks. We ascend for a glimpse of the peaks, proceeding to the spectacular view of Mackinders Valley, dotted with Lobelias and other beautiful plants with views of the North faces of Nelion and Batian peaks before reaching Shipton’s camp (4,200 m).
- Altitude gain: Time: 7 hours walk.
Day 3 Shipton’s Camp/ Lenana Peak / Mintos
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hrs
- Total Distance:5km
- Starting Altitude: 4,200m
- Final Altitude: 4,985m
- Habitat: Scree slopes
Alpine ascent of the third highest peak point Lenana (4,985m). It will take you approx. 4 hours of stiff walking to the summit. We wake at night at 2.30 am for hot tea and biscuits. Ascend to Point Lenana at 4,985m for approx. 3 hours to arrive for sunrise.
From here you can admire Mt. Kilimanjaro’s highest peaks, Kibo and Mawenzi visible from the south, the Indian Ocean from the east, and Mt. Elgon from the west. Afterward, we descend to Hallstarn (4300m) for breakfast; there will be some more fantastic scenery. Overnight will be in tents.
Day 4 Mintos /Meru Mt Kenya Bandas
After breakfast we start a 15km hike, taking 6 hours hiking gently down a broad ridge enjoying magnificent views back up the valley to the snowy peaks, and down to waterfall tarns and lava flows in the Gorges Valley itself.
Lake Michelson, Lake Ellis, the giant billiard table, and the Mugi hills will be visible at a distance. A picnic lunch will be provided on the way, spending the night at Chogoria Banda’s which provides hot showers.
Day 5 Meru Mt Kenya Bandas /Chogoria /Nairobi)
After breakfast we walk for approximately 10km in the rainforest, enjoying the beautiful views. We then connect with your mountain 4×4 vehicles to drive you out of the park and down to Chogoria Town.
Here you will transfer into another vehicle before continuing back to Nairobi or another planned destination.