Daily itinerary
Day 01: 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
Day 02: 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)
Day 03: 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)
Day 04: 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)
Day 05: 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)
Day 06: 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.