Mt. Kenya Expedition
Africa’s second highest mountain
In partnership with Jaribu Outdoor Activities
A proportion of your booking fee is donated to grass-root conservation organisations as part of our responsible travel ethos
Challenge yourself to reach new heights.
Mt. Kenya is one of the most sacred places in Kenya with many local tribes believing it is the meeting place and throne of the gods.
The Routes:
Sirimon - Chogoria Route
A five day trek with great diversity through ancient forests where elephants roam into unusual glacier-sculpted heathland. Followed by jagged volcanic peaks and glaciers as you reach closer to the summit. This is one of the most accessible routes up and well suited to any keen hill walker.
Day 1: Sirimon gate -> Old Moses Camp (3,300m) 3-4 hrs, 9km 680m ascent
Trek through the giant forest of Mt. Kenya and reach a large heather zone before reaching the high altitude moorland and the first camp (Old Moses). This is a great first day to acclimatise and get into the swing of things
Day 2: Old Moses - Shipton camp (4,200m) 7 hrs, 14km 900m ascent
Follow the track uphill and cross over the Ontulili River before turning right and crossing the Liki North River. Reach the Mackinders Valley where there is a panoramic view up the valley towards the next camp (Shipton camp). This camp has an incredible viewing of the moutains summit and glaciers.
Day 3: Shipton camp - Acclimatisation Day
This is our rest day to acclimatise with short walks and day hikes around the area. Get to experience Mt. Kenya’s unique fauna and flora and to watch the camp’s Rock hyrax scuttle around.
Day 4: Summit Day. Shipton - Point Lenana (4,985m) - Mt. Kenya Bandas (2,900m) 11-12 hrs, 785m ascent and 2,085 descent
We start the day early (3am to be exact!) to reach Point Lenana in time for the stunning sunrise at the top. The climb is on scree and continues on a rocky track. With no moon the sky is lit up with stars twinkling and guiding us on our ascent. Reach the summit for sunrise and take in the incredible vista - if you are lucky Mt. Kilimanjaro is also visible!
From there the descent begins - we walk down to the Mt. Kenya Bandas where hot showers, beds and a log fire await.
Day 5: Mt. Kenya Bandas - Chogoria town 2hrs, 10km
After breakfast we complete the climb by descending down through the bamboo forest and reach Chogoria town.
Naro Moru - Chogoria Route
Ascending from the mountain’s western side, this longer trail but for many this is a favourite route. Long days trekking on good paths with wide vistas, great camp sites and fascinating flora and fauna are on offer. You will pass waterfalls, Lake Ellis and the spectacular Gorges valley where an enormous amphitheatre of cliffs called The Temple hots the stunning Lake Michaelson.
Day 1: Naro Moru gate - Met Station (3,050m) 3-4 hrs, 10km, 400m ascent
After lunch at the Naro Moru gate we start our climb through bamboo forests and giant heather zone before reaching the first cabins (Met Station) for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Met Station - Mackinders camp (4,300m) 5-6 hrs, 11km, 1,200m ascent
A short walk to the end of the forest line and across a marshy bog. Picnic lunch and Picnic Rocks before continuing to Mackinders camp.
Day 3: Summit Day. Mackinders camp - Point Lenana (4,985m) - Mt. Kenya Bandas (2,900m) 11-12 hrs, 685 ascent and 2,085 descent
Start the summit day at 3am walking up scree slopes before summiting with a stunning sunrise over an incredible vista.
From there the descent begins - we walk down to the Mt. Kenya Bandas where hot showers, beds and a log fire await.
Day 4: Mt. Kenya Bandas - Chogoria town 2hrs, 10km
After breakfast we complete the climb by descending down through the bamboo forest and reach Chogoria town.
Whats included?
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You will be in little wooden huts at each camp. The huts are equipped with beds, however blankets and sleeping bags are not provided.
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Included in the price are three meals a day, drinking water and a variety of hot drinks. All meals are prepared for you by the guides. Dietary requirements can be catered for with advanced notice given to our team
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Even though Mt Kenya is near the Equator, it gets very cold at night. We recommend strongly that people carry warm layers on this trip. It is also important to remember that as you climb higher the sun becomes stronger and risk of getting sun burnt while you walk is increased. Therefore be sure to carry and keep applying suncream
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You must ensure that you have good walking boots for this climb. We provide no equipment, although sleeping bags can be hired for $4 per day
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We also provide mountain porters to help carry your large over night bag, so you will only need to carry your day pack
All meals, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks during the trek
Park fees
Professional guides
All camping equipment
Porters for bags and camping equipment
Accommodation and camp site bookings
Trip support crew
Camp cook and tent crew
Transport to the start of the climb from Nanyuki Camp
Or email travel@conservation-matters.com to find out more
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