MT. KENYA CLIMB - ITINERARIES:
All the itineraries hereunder commence from Naromoru River Lodge (or the Mount Kenya Leisure Lodge) on the Western shoulder of the mighty Mt. Kenya. Transport and departure from other preferred starting points can be arranged upon request at a very reasonable rate. We will also be happy to arrange itineraries on other routes and even to Kilimanjaro on request. Kindly enquire with us! »
AVMTK 01: DAY TRIP »
Our day trip is designed for the visitor who has limited time and who is not interested in reaching any of the summits. This safari is tailored to those who are interested in seeing the fascinating vegetation zones of an equatorial mountain and the associated rich animal and bird life.
On this safari, departure from the lodge is at 08 00hrs, driving to road head of the Naro Moru Track (altitude 3,000m.). Your Guide sets a leisurely pace for a relaxing trek up the mountain. Stop at about 3,600m. for your picnic lunch and then continue your stroll to the crest of the ridge at 4,000m, from which vantage point you have a splendid view of the main peaks as well as the Teleki Valley.
Enjoy a quick descent to the met Station and back to the Lodge in time for dinner.
Please be advised that the following items could be useful to you: water bottle, rain parka, light wool sweater and a pack for the camera and other gear.
AVMTK 2: A THREE-DAY FOOT SAFARI TO MT. KENYA »
Designed for those who have a minimum amount of time and who want to reach the third highest peak Pt. Lenana. This challenging, non technical ascent can be made by any healthy person.
Day 1
Morning spent sorting and organizing personal equipment for the trek. Lunch at the Lodge. (this is an extra charge.) In the afternoon, drive to the road head of the Naro Moru track, to the Met Station where we spend the night in the mountain log cabins, a good day for acclimatization for we will be sleeping at an altitude of 3,050m. A short hike is taken in the afternoon to gain and loose altitude.
Day 2
Hike up into the Teleki valley where there is a spectacular view of the main peaks. Walking time approximately 4-6 hours. Overnight at Mackinders Camp (4,100m).
Day 3
A pre-dawn start is made to ensure a successful summit bid and in time for a clear view of the majestic summit scenery. After ascending Pt. Lenana we return to our base camp and then proceed down the mountain and back to the lodge.
AVMTK 3: FOUR DAY FOOT SAFARI TO MT. KENYA »
This itinerary is similar to the “three day foot safari”, but has three distinct advantages:
- An extra day could be used acclimatizing in the Teleki valley, walking through some of the beautiful country in the area. You would then ascend Pt. Lenana on the fourth day and then descend to the Lodge.
- You can ascend Pt. Lenana and return to Mackinder’s camp on day three and then make a leisurely descent to the Lodge on the fourth day.
- For a fit climber subject to weather conditions, it is possible to circumnavigate the main peaks. This is can take a full day and it is worth your while.
AVMTK 4: FIVE DAY CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF MT. KENYA »
This climb is for those mountaineers who have an adventurous spirit and want to ascend Pt. Lenana, (4,985m) in a leisurely fashion from a non-tourist route. The climber has a better chance of acclimatizing and getting fit for the attempt on Pt. Lenana.
Day 1
Morning spent sorting and organizing personal equipment for the trek. Lunch at the Lodge. (this is an extra charge) In the afternoon drive to the road head of the Naro Moru track to the Met Station where we spend the night in the mountain log cabins. A good day for acclimatization, altitude of 3050 m. A light hike is taken in the afternoon to help acclimatization.
Day 2
Hike up to the Teleki valley to our Mackinders Camp where there is a spectacular view of the main peaks. Walking time approximately 4-6 hours. Overnight Mackinders Camp (4,150m)
Day 3
After an early breakfast, begin the circumnavigation of the main peaks by heading north. One traverse takes us below the south and west faces on our approach to Two Tarn Hut then across Western terminal and into Hausberg Valley and finally over Hausberg Col and into Mackinders Valley. Walking time proximately 5 hours. The highest point reached this day is 4,500m. Our camp in Mackinder valley is at an altitude of 4,300m. Night will be spent in high altitude tents.
Day 4
Alpine ascent of the third highest peak Pt. Lenana up the north face little used by tourists. The top should be reached after about four hours of stiff walking. Altitude of Pt.Lenana is 4985m.
We then descend into Teleki Valley and spend the night at our original camp completing a scenic traverse of the Mountain.
Day 5
Descend the Mountain to Met Station and return to the Naro Moru River Lodge.
AVMTK 5: FIVE –DAY SIRIMON TREK »
The Sirimon Track, is one of the finest approaches to the peak area. It offers some of the best views of the main peaks, with a gradual climb which can be done leisurely. We traverse the mountain by ascending the Sirimon Track.
Day 1
Morning spent sorting and organizing personal equipment for the mountain trek. Lunch at the Lodge (This is an extra charge). In the afternoon, we are driven to the Sirimon Park Gate and then to the road-head at 3,300m. An easy trek in the afternoon to help acclimatization. Overnight Judmaier Camp (3300m) in the high altitude mountain tents.
Day 2
Ascend the Sirimon Track to Likii North Valley and camp overnight in this beautiful little valley below the subsidiary peaks of Teleki and Sendeyo, two ancient parasitic vents of the main peaks. (3990m)
Day 3
Climb out of the North Valley and into the Mackinders Valley, one of the broadest valleys on the mountain, with many giant groundsels. Camp at the head of the Mackinder's Valley, just below the main peaks of Batian and Nelion (4,300m).
Day 4
Alpine ascent to the highest peak, Pt. Lenana (4985m). En route up the north face little used by tourists. Four hours of stiff walking to the summit. Then descend to Teleki Valley on the opposite side of the main peaks, to Mackinder’s Camp for a good night rest (4150m.).
Day 5
Descend to the Met Station (road head) on the Naro Moru Track and back to the Lodge.
AVMTK 6: FIVE-DAY CHOGORIA »
This is by far the most spectacular and beautiful route on Mt. Kenya, in which you ascend from Chogoria Route and descend through Naro Moru Route. This is only possible during dry weather
Day 1
Leave Naro Moru River Lodge in the morning after preparing the equipment. You are driven through Nanyuki, Timau and Meru before arriving at Chogoria Town and then through the rain forest gate to the road-head, (3200m). Overnight at the gate cliffs in tents.
Day 2
After breakfast, trek to Mintos Hut 4.300m, for overnight. Lunch is served on the way. Trekking time 4-5hours.
Day 3
Trek along gorges Valley descending to Lake Michaelson, then Lunch at Vivienne. Trek through the magnificent castle rocks to Mintos Hut and overnight – “whole day hiking”
Day 4
Hike up through Square Tarn to climax at Pt. Lenana, 4985m which is the third highest peak on Mt. Kenya. Descend via Austrian Hut then down to Mackinder’s camp for overnight in our Teleki Lodge at 4150m, walking time 5-6 hours.
Day 5
Descend via Naro Moru Route vertical bog arriving at Met Station before 12.00noon, where our vehicles will be waiting to bring you down to Naro Moru River Lodge.
NB. Lunch at the Lodge is extra unless where booked on full board.
AVMTK 7: 05 DAYS 04 OVERNIGHTS IN CHOGORIA OUT SIRIMON »
Day 1
Drive from Naro moru through Nanyuki – Timau - Meru. Before arriving at Chogoria and overnight in our high altitude tents (2,800m) at Mt. Kenya Meru Lodge.
Day 2
After breakfast walk to Mintos (4,350m) Lunch is served on the way. Walking time 5 – 6 ½ hrs and night is spent in high altitude tents.
Day 3
An easy day to Lake Michaelson and Lunch is served near
Vivienne falls (packed Lunch). After Lunch trek back to Hall tarns and overnight.
Day 4
Trek through Square Tarn via Tooth peak and Traverse through Hobley valley to Austrian Hut and ascend Pt. Lenana 4985m and descend to Mackinders Valley and overnight.( 6 – 7 hours)
Day 5
Hike along Mackinders Valley over to Oltulili Judmaier and down to the Sirimon Park gate where you meet the vehicle to transfer you to the lodge.
AVMTK 8: 05 DAYS 04 OVERNIGHTS IN SIRIMON OUT CHOGORIA »
Day 1
Drive from Naro moru River Lodge to Sirimon gate drop off clients and start walking to Judmier time 2 ½ - 3 hrs and overnight in high altitude tents. (3300m.)
Day 2
Hike up to the Mackinder Valley where there is Spectacular view of the main peaks walking time approximately 6-7 hours and overnight in high altitude tents.
Day 3
Ascend Pt. Lenana (4985m) via Northern Side and descend to Mintos. In the afternoon have an easy walk to view lake Michaelson overnight in high altitude tents.
Day 4
After breakfast descend to Mount Kenya Meru lodge and overnight in our high altitude tents. (5 – 6 hrs walk.)
Day 5
After breakfast wait for pick-up Naro moru and drive through beautiful natural forest for about 1 ½ - 2 hours continue driving through Meru - Nanyuki and back to the lodge.
AVMTK 9: 06 DAYS / 05 NIGHTS - BEST OF MT. KENYA »
This trek offers some of the best views of the main peaks with a gradual ascent which can be done leisurely, we traverse the mountain by ascending the Sirimon track, join the best of Timau, then join the best of Chogoria and Descend the Naro Moru track.
Day 1
Morning spent sorting and organizing equipment for the mountain trek. Lunch at the Lodge (this is an extra charge). In the afternoon we are driven to the Sirimon gate and then the to the road head at 3,300m. An easy walk in the afternoon to help acclimatization, overnight Judmaier's Camp (3,300m) in the high altitude mountain tents.
Day 2
After breakfast trek up the moorland and break away from Sirimon track at altitude of 3,940m, contouring into the Sirimon Valley. This is a seldom visited area with a tremendous amount of wildlife. Overnight in Sirimon Valley, altitude 3,940m.
Day 3
An early start out of the Sirimon Valley and into the head of the Hinde Valley. We then cross the Nithi and Gorges Valleys. This is undoubtedly one of the most scenic areas of the mountain with its 1,000 – vertical cliffs, its virgin valleys and cascading water-fall, is one of the most spectacular trekked areas in Kenya. Night camped at Hall Tarns(4,300m).
Day 4
Descend to Lake Michaelson, in the depth of the Gorges Valley. See the incredible cave formation known as the Temple. Walk down the valley to Vivienne falls (named after the famous author of Speak to the Earth). Return to camp in the afternoon. Overnight at Hall Tarns (4,300m.).
Day 5
Alpine ascent on the third highest peak Pt.Lenana (4,985m). En route up north face little used by tourists. 04 hours of stiff walking to the summit. Descend to Teleki Valley and spend the night at our Mackinders Camp (4,150m).
Day 6
Descend the mountain via the Naro Moru route completing a fine circuit of Mt. Kenya, to the Naro Moru River Lodge for a well-earned rest.
AVMTK 10: 07 DAYS / 06 NIGHTS - CHOGORIA TRAVERSE »
Day 1
Depart from the Naro Moru River Lodge at 10.00am after sorting all the equipment; the journey goes through to Meru Town a rich coffee growing area before finally arriving at Chogoria, then up to the forest gate and for overnight camping. This is a distance of 200km. from the Lodge.
Day 2
After breakfast walk up to Bairuni clearing (2,370m) about 04 hours of trekking and overnight.
Day 3
Walk up to gate cliffs through Uramandi hut, near Mt. Kenya Forest Lodge (about 2,940 m.) and overnight. (walking time 05-06 hours)
Day 4
Trek up a bit steep areas through Mugi hills to get to Lake Ellis at 3,460m. and overnight. (walking time 05 hours).
Day 5
Hike along Hinde Valley to the Hall Tarns/Mintos Hut overnight 4,300m. (walking time 06 hours).
Day 6
The climax of the expedition is to ascend Pt. Lenana 4,985m via Simba Col, Lake Harris, Kobe Peak and to Mackinders Camp for overnight in our Teleki Lodge 4,150 m. (02 hrs walk).
Day 7
After breakfast descend through Naro Moru route- vertical bog to Met. Station, where our transport to Naro Moru River Lodge will be waiting. (03 – 04 hours walk).
Lunch extra cost at Naro Moru River Lodge.
AVMTK 11: SEVEN DAY TIMAU TREK »
The Timau Track, the main access route on the north side on the mountain lies in a major rain shadow. Because of this rain side of the mountain. However, because you are inside a low rainfall zone it generally makes up for a drier safari and a more pleasant trek. The slope is gentle and because line of the peaks on Mt. Kenya are from east to west the views from the north give you the impression that you are trekking into a whole mountain range.
Day 1
In the afternoon, you will be transported to the Timau road head where you will begin your trek up Mt. Kenya from the north. (Overnight in high altitude mountains tents – Timau road head). 3,300m
Day 2
Hiking across the beautiful northern moorland of Mt. Kenya with its unique flora and possibly seeing some of the wildlife, which wander up these northern slopes – zebra, eland, etc. Camp near the Western Marania River.3, 700m.
Day 3
Continue your trek over rolling moorland country to camp at the headquarters of the Kathita East drainage.3, 950m.
Day 4
Hike up to the spectacular Hall Tarns where the beautiful rock formation known as the Temple stands guard over Lake Michaelson 1000 vertical feet below.4, 090m
Day 5
Penetrate the defenses of the Temple and descend to the Lake Michaelson and enjoy the scenic wonder of the magnificent area. Truly a trekker’s paradise 4,300m
Day 6
An early start to ensure a successful summit bid for main objective Pt. Lenana (4,985m.). Descend to Mackinders Camp on the Naro Moru Track.
Day 7
Descend the mountain via the Naro Moru Route completing a fine circuit of Mt. Kenya, to the Naro Moru River Lodge for a well –earned rest.
AVMTK 12: SEVEN DAY THE LAND OF CONTRASTS »
This Safari to Mt. Kenya gives the visitor the opportunity to experience all the contrasting scenery of Mt. Kenya. This safari is a beautiful blend of all our itineraries, taking advantage of the best aspects of the three main approach routes to the peak area: Naro Moru, Sirimon and Chogoria. Our safari will start from the Naro Moru River Lodge.
Day 1
Morning spent sorting and organizing personal equipment for the mountain trek. Lunch at the Lodge (this is an extra charge). In the afternoon we are driven to the Sirimon Gate where we trek to help acclimatization, hopefully you will be lucky to see some game. Night spent at the gate (2,570m.).
Day 2
This day incorporates a picnic on the Mt. Kenya day hike. This is very interesting and enjoyable day spent in the depths of the forest. Night will be spent at road head, at the Judmaier Camp (3,300m.).
Day 3
After breakfast we begin our trek up the moorland and break away from the Sirimon Track at an altitude of 3,940m, contouring into the Sirimon Valley. This is a seldom –visited area which harbours a tremendous amount of wildlife. Overnight in the Sirimon Valley, altitude 3,940m.
Day 4
An early start out of the Sirimon Valley and into the head of the Hinde Valley. We then cross the Nithi and Gorges Valleys. This is undoubtedly one of the most scenic areas of the mountain. With its,1,000ft. vertical cliffs, its virgin valleys and cascading waterfalls, it certainly is one of the most spectacular trekking areas in Kenya. Night at Hall Tarns (4,300m).
Day 5
Descend to Lake Michaelson, in the depth of the Gorges Valley. We will also see the incredible cave formation known as the Temple. We walk down the valley to Vivenne Falls (named after the famous author of Speak to the Earth). Return to camp in the afternoon. Overnight night at Hall Tarns (4,300m)
Day 6
Today we make our alpine ascent of the third highest peak, Pt. Lenana (4985m). Our route up the north face is little used by tourists. Four hours of stiff walking to the summit. We then descend to Teleki Valley and spend the night at our Mackinders Camp. (4,150m.).
Day 7
Descend to Met. Station and return, by vehicle, to the Naro Moru River Lodge for a well-earned rest.
