This trek covers the two most scenic routes on Mount Kenya with interesting features such as the lush green forests and U-shaped valleys of Sirimon and the mushroom rocks, Gorges Valley on the Chogoria side.
Arrival at the Base lodge for acclimatization at (2000m above sea level) and other preparations. This pre-hike day is included in our all-inclusive trip option. In the afternoon we will have two optional activities in preparation for the hike. Option 1 is a 3 hours escorted nature hike into the forest destined for the Mau Mau Caves, the site has an interesting history about the Kenyan’s struggle for independence in the 1950s. Option 2 is an Eco-conscious escorted hike through the local community setup visiting homes, farms and schools.
Dinner and Overnight at Mountain Rock Lodge.
Breakfast and depart at 1000hrs to be transferred to Sirimon Park gate. From here, hike through montane forest, bamboo and rosewood up to the Old Moses Hut, gaining an elevation range of 700m in 3-4 hours.
Dinner and Overnight at Old Moses Hut (3300m).
Today will be a long and tiring day leading to the base of the high peaks. Today’s trek is largely through the moorlands and the Mackinder Valley, with good views of the main peaks and a brief stopover for picnic lunch. Total walking time is approx. 7 hours gaining 900m in altitude.
Dinner and Overnight Shipton’s Hut (4200m).
Pre-dawn attempt of the summit starts at 0300hrs, taking 3-4 hours to reach Point Lenana 4985m in time to watch the sun rising. On a clear skies day, you can see the snow-capped summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro several miles away to the south. Descend to Minto’s camp for breakfast. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or exploring the spectacular Gorges Valley.
Dinner and Overnight at Mintos campsite (4300m).
After breakfast we have a leisurely descent along the left bank of Gorges Valley with a chance to enjoy the great scenery of the Temple, mushroom rocks, lakes etc. You arrive at the Meru Mt Kenya lodge in the afternoon (5-6 hours trek). Picnic lunch is served en-route.
Dinner and Overnight Mt. Kenya Lodge (3000m)
Leave at 0700 hrs, walking down the Chogoria Forest to meet with our vehicle for transfer back to Nairobi or the Base Lodge. Those traveling directly to Nairobi will arrive by 1700hrs.
Note: It is also possible to avoid the long trek from Old Moses to Shiptons and the strain it may cause by breaking the trekking distance into two phases. On the first phase, hike up to Likii North (3900m) in approximately 4hours to spend the night in tents and proceed on to Shiptons the following day in another 4 hours. Alternatively, clients can hike directly to Shipton’s and spend an extra day there relaxing or walking around the peaks for acclimatization. This would mean adding an extra day on the itinerary.
End to End Excellence with Heart - I went on my lifelong dream trip to Africa with my brother and four friends in October 2024. I was introduced to Paul at the Travel and Adventure Show... read more in Los Angeles by a friend who is an extensive traveler and a very satisfied customer of African Savannah Holidays. From the moment I met Paul, I knew I would put my dream vacation in his hands.
Working with him could not be easier. He listened carefully to my long “wish list” and my budget considerations; then prepared an itinerary that met every wish with thoughtful care. His communication was always professional, prompt, concise, and friendly.
He met us upon arrival bearing gifts, and provided an orientation of our three weeks in detail. It included Kenya, Amboseli National Park, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai Gorge, Serengeti, Masai Mara, and finally Zanzibar. Every single aspect of this trip exceeded our expectations: friendly, charming, and informative guides, lodgings that frankly blew me away, food, and the hot air balloon ride. Every day was so exciting and yet, every following day was better than the last.
Our guides knew just where to take us so that we had encounters with four of the Big Five- with the black rhino as the hold out, and we were moved by the experience of being in the wild with all the magnificent animals. At times, we were alone with lions, cubs, cheetahs, leopards, giraffe, baboons, elephants, hippos, and birds we have never seen before! Being there in Africa’s spring meant that we not only saw babies, but it was also not crowded, the temperature was moderate, and there were no mosquitos!
More than the excitement, was a deep sense of the Beautiful. African Savannah Holidays embodied the culture of Africa that values harmony, respect, and love. With them, we brought back something that can’t be captured in pictures. Our goodby to Africa, Paul, and African Savannah Holidays was gratifying, as the six of us made new friends, deepened our friendship, and emblazoned the sights and sounds of Africa forever in our hearts.
If you are considering a trip to Africa, you must find the African Savannah Holidays on line or come meet Paul at the Travel and Adventure Show at the Los Angeles convention Center in February 2025 . Maybe I’ll see you there!
Beautiful Samburu, our African Savannah Adventure - We have travelled previously on safari with African Savannah Holidays and this year we chose to visit the semi arid Samburu Region in northern Kenya. We stayed at Ashnil Samburu... read more Camp and at Samburu Intrepids Camp chosing to fly from Wilson Airport in Nairobi in order to avoid a 6 hour road trip into the bush, the flight was just 45 minutes. Camps were very good with a preference for Ashnil and wildlife in Samburu was excellent. Paul Mgubwa is Director, his service was first class, our guide James Maina was excellent, he was a patient driver and had respect for the animals we saw. Our safari overall was a good one, quite hot 32 degrees at times but its a dry heat so was not uncomfortable.
All of our arrangements from meet and greet in Nairobi through to departure was extremely well organised, we had a fabulous safari and felt we were in really good hands throughout. Sincere thanks Paul we would certainly recommend you to friends wishing to try a safari, it was all that we wanted, just perfect.
Nairobi National Park - Wonderful experience! We went for a safari in Nairobi National Park. Professional and friendly driver, nothing was too much trouble for him. We were picked up from our accommodation, spent... read more day in national park, had a late lunch and came back to our accommodation. From the start to the end it was a fantastic experience.
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