Mt Kenya

We invite you to join us on a trip of a lifetime to Point Lenana, Africa’s second-highest mountain at an altitude of 4,985 meters. Ascending this peak through the Chogoria trail has become the most magnificent way to do it. Spend a night by the refreshing waters of Lake Ellis, Halls Tarn, or Lake Michaelson. Experience perfect stargazing and breathtaking sunrises. 

Cost Inclusive

• Full-board accommodation in a standard two-person tent and a regular camping mat on Mount Kenya, with two persons sharing a tent.
• Three meals every day on the mountain;
• Park fees for citizens & Residents; Professional team services, including guides, cooks, and porters.
• Transportation from and to Nairobi

ITINERARY

DAY 1: Nairobi (1795m asl) to Chogoria Gate (2440m asl) to Lake Ellis (3300m asl)

Distance: 200km drive, 9km hike

Time: 5 hours in a vehicle, 4 hours on foot

Elevation Gain: 600m by vehicle, 860m on foot

0600hrs – Leave Nairobi

1100hrs – Arrive at Sirimon Gate for registration and lunch

1200hrs – Hike through the rain forest, and moorland to Lake Ellis

1700hrs – Supper and rest for the next day.

DAY 2: Lake Ellis (3300m asl) to Mintos Hut (4200m asl)

Distance: 14km

Elevation Gain: 900m

Hiking Time: 7 hours

0700hrs – Wake up, freshen and pack

0730hrs – Breakfast

0800hrs – Start hike

1300hrs – Lunch point at the Lake Michaelson Viewpoint

1600hrs – Arrive at Mintos Hut

1700h – Supper, prep for the summit bid, and rest.

DAY 3: Mintos Hut (3800m asl) to Point Lenana (4985m asl) to Roadhead (3300m asl)

Distance: 14km

Elevation Gain: 700m

Hiking Time: 8 hours

0200hrs – Wake up

0230hrs – Leave for the summit

0800hrs – Summit Point Lenana

0900hrs – Breakfast at Michaelson-Mintos Junction

1300hrs – Lunch at Lake Michelson. Spend the afternoon enjoying scenes around the lake

1900hrs – Celebrate a successful expedition

Day 4: Hike from Roadhead camp to Chogoria gate and drive to Nairobi

Easy day: Visit Nithi Falls and Mau Mau Caves

Hiking Time: 6 hours

0800hrs – Wake up and breakfast

0900hrs – Descend to the Mt. Kenya Chogoria Gate

1400hrs – Depart for Nairobi

PREPARATION

• Have summited at least three high altitude hikes (above 3200m), or 6 moderate drifts in the past 60 days.
• Have all the mandatory gear listed in the brochure.

GEAR LIST

Clothes:

1. Waterproof hiking boots*
2. Trail runners or sandals for use at camp
3. Woolen hiking socks (6 pairs)*
4. Leg gaiters
5. Hiking pants (2 pairs water-resistant, 1 pair waterproof)*
6. Thermal pants (2 pairs, medium or heavy-duty, breathable)*
7. Woolen or polyester underwear (briefs)*
8. Thermal t-shirt (4, long sleeve)*
9. Polyester t-shirts (4 )*
10. Fleece jacket*
11. Down jacket*
12. Waterproof jacket/shell jacket/poncho*
13. Fleece hat + wide-brimmed hat
14. A scarf or tubular bandana or regular bandana*
15. Waterproof gloves (summit gloves and fleece gloves)*

Camping Gear:

16. Hiking backpack (25l or 30l daypack, and a 60L backpack for your porter)*
17. Warm Sleeping bag (four seasons/-5 degrees comfort recommended)*
18. Headlamp and extra batteries*
19. Hot water bottle

Accessories

21. Snacks
22. Thermal flask
23. Hydration bladder/water bottle*
24. Personal items (phone and charger, camera, ID, pocket money, hand sanitizer, facemask, lighter, pocket knife, whistle, basic first aid kit)*
25. Trekking poles
26. Sunglasses + sunscreen
27. Toiletries (wet wipes, dry wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste, petroleum jelly)*

TIPS

1. The items marked with an asterisk (*) in the list above are absolutely necessary for a safe expedition in the mountain. They are not included in the cost but the organizer can help you find them.
2. The items without the asterisk are not necessary but greatly increase your comfort in the mountain. If you can access them, we highly recommend that you bring them along. The porters will carry them for you.
3. Pick brightly colored clothes for the trip. The high visibility comes in handy not only in bad weather and in case you stray from the path, but also for good photos.
4. Listen to the directives of the guide, and ask questions as they arise. The biggest asset that you can get from guides is knowledge.
5. Be aware of the changes in your body. In case you have extreme symptoms of altitude sickness, let the guide know. And remember, there is no shame in turning back!

“It is not the mountains that we conquer, but ourselves” ~ Sir Edmund Hilary

Preparation Hikes

Mt Kipipiri

Mt Kinangop + Elephant Hill

Table Mountain

Mt Satima

Feature Image courtesy of Omondi Tuju