Composed of numerous mountain peaks, each of which is roughly 5,000 meters in elevation, Mount Kenya is the tallest mountain in the country and second highest in Africa.
Heading up to to the top of this imposing igneous behemoth makes for an intense and incredibly rewarding challenge.
Over the course of our 6 days together, we will head up to one of the minor summits, Point Lenana (4,985 meters), enjoying spectacular views of the country’s diverse scenery as we go
We will also hike up to the mountain’s glacier and through fields of snow, which is quite a surreal feeling so close to the equator. Each day of the trip, we will also have the chance to see some of the local wildlife, including rock hyrax and sun birds.
The climax of the trip will be summit day. Getting a pre-dawn start, we will reach Point Lenana for the sunrise and get a truly sublime experience. From the top, we should be able to see all the way to Kilimanjaro and get plenty of spectacular views of out surroundings.
Details
DAY 1: NAIROBI TO OLD MOSES CAMP (3,300 M)
After meeting up at the international airport in Nairobi, we will drive to Nanyuki town, crossing the equator en route to Sirimon Park gate. From here, we will spend 3 to 4 hours trekking to our first camp, Old Moses camp.
DAY 2: OLD MOSES CAMP TO SHIPTON CAMP (4,200 M)
Starting first thing in the morning, we will hike for about 7 hours, up through the Mackinders Valley via the Liki North Ridge before arriving at Shipton camp.
DAY 3: TO SHIPTON'S HUT
A long day leading to the base of the high peaks, as you trek through the moorland of Mackinder Valley, with good views of the main peaks and a brief stop for picnic lunch.
Total walking time today is approx. 7 hours, gaining 900m in altitude.
Dinner and overnight at Shipton’s Hut (4,200m).
DAY 3: ACCLIMATIZATION
We will enjoy several short walks or day hikes based out of Shipton camp, possibly summiting nearby Oblong mountain.
DAY 4: SHIPTON CAMP TO MACKINDERS CAMP (4,300 M)
We will start the day by hiking up to the north face of Batian, before continuing to the southwest and climbing up a series of switchbacks in the snow. Once we reach the Hausberg col, we will descend into the upper Hausberg valley before ascending a ridge and following a series of ledges to Mackinders camp.
DAY 5: SUMMIT DAY
Getting a pre-dawn start, we will climb up to Lenana Point at the summit in order to see the sunrise. From here, we will hike back down to Bandanas.
DAY 5: SUMMIT DAY
Getting a pre-dawn start, we will climb up to Lenana Point at the summit in order to see the sunrise. From here, we will hike back down to Bandanas.
DAY 6: RETURN TO NAIROBI
After breakfast, we will descend to Chogoria town and transfer to Nairobi.
Map
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