5 Days Mount Kenya Route

OVERVIEW

Mt. Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second highest in Africa, after Kilimanjaro. The highest peaks of the mountain are Batian at 5,199 metres (17,057 ft), Nelion at 5, 188 metres (17,021 ft) and Point Lenana at 4,985 metres (16,355 ft). Mt. Kenya is located in central Kenya, just south of the equator and 150 kilometers from Nairobi. Batian was climbed in 1899 by the British mountaineer, Halford Mackinder, the first man known to have been done so. Mackinder named the three peaks after Maasai leaders. Nelion, the second highest peak but a much harder climb, was not ascended until 1929 by Eric Shipton. There are several routes up the mountain. A team of guides, porters and cooks will accompany you and perform any menial tasks, allowing you to enjoy the experience free from the burden of carrying heavy gear, gathering water, finding your way up the mountain and making meals. Itineraries can be tailored to suit ones requirements with varying durations of between 3 and 10 days trekking to the summits with camping or banda accommodation options along the way.

DAY 1 – NAIROBI, SIRIMON, JUDMAIER CAMP (OLD MOSES CAMP)

Distance covered: 5.6 miles
Approximate time taken: 3-4 hours
Elevation gain: 2,820-foot ascent
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Get picked up at 7:30 AM from your accommodation in Nairobi. Drive around 4 hours to Nanyuki for lunch. Proceed 1 hour and 800 feet to Sirimon Gate. From the gate, follow the trail as it winds uphill through the forest which becomes uncultivated land after about 3 hours. After 3.5 hours, the route veers right to Judmaier Camp, where you’ll have dinner and stay overnight at 10,826 feet.

DAY 2 – OLD MOSES(3300M) TO SHIPTON CAMP(4200)

Distance covered: 10 miles
Approximate time taken: 6-7 hours
Elevation gain: 2,950-foot ascent
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

After breakfast, follow the track uphill, forking left at the junction. After 1 hour from Old Moses Camp, the trail crosses Ontulili River. Head right toward the Moorland and cross Liki North. Continue uphill to Mackinders Valley, from where you’ll find panoramic views up the valley toward the main peaks. Dinner and overnight at Shipton Camp at 13,779 feet.

DAY 3 – ACCLIMATIZATION

Shipton Camp Spend the day acclimatizing. Walk to Kami Hut down to the Hauseberg Lakes, Hauseberg Tarn and Nanyuki Tarn. Trek back to Shipton for dinner and overnight.

DAY 4 – SHIPTONS – PT. LENANA (4985 M)

Distance covered: 20 miles
Approximate time taken: 11-12 hours
Elevation gain: 2,575-foot ascent
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Leave at 3:00 AM up a steep, stony quarry that cuts through a cliff clearing. Head toward lower Hall Tarns and arrive at Mount Kenya Point Lenana, 3.7 miles from Shipton Camp, at 6:30 AM. After the sunrise, descend 3.7 miles and about 2 hours down to Mintos Hut for breakfast. Head 4-5 hours further down to Mount Meru Bandas at 9,678 feet, for dinner and overnight on Mount Kenya.

DAY 5 – NAIROBI

Distance covered: 9 miles
Approximate time taken: 2 hours
Meal: Breakfast and lunch included

Descend 2 hours and 9 miles to the forest clearance and catch a 4×4 transfer vehicle to Chogoria Village where you will find your driver waiting to transfer you back to Nairobi. Breakfast and lunch are included.