The trip
This itinerary combines some of the most splendid routes on the mountain. Using one of the gentlest ascent trail to the peaks and with an extra acclimatization day included at 4,200m it has a huge summit success record. Passing through montane forest, bamboo, heather and Mooreland zones to peaks, then down past spectacular jagged peaks, glaciated "U" shaped valleys, deep gorges and waterfalls.
Accommodation is 1 night comfortable hotel, 4 nights mountain huts and 1 night campingAll your equipment will be carried by local porters on the mountain, you only carry a day-pack with personal gear. We buy fresh produce locally and to ensure good standards of hygiene all food is prepared by our own well trained and experienced staff. We can cater for special dietary requirements and there are no extra food-kitty payments.
Day to day Itinerary
Day 1 Drive from Nairobi to our base lodge on the western slopes of Mt Kenya. Tucked away in the Mount Kenya forest and at almost 2,000m the acclimatisation begins here. This afternoon is an inclusive walk through the forest where local natural history guide will reveal the medicinal plants, birds and animals of the forest environment as you explore the bushes to the famous Mau Mau caves and prepare for the main trek.
Day 2 Short drive, crossing the equator en-route, to the Sirimon Park Gate. From here we trek up through magnificent montane forests, bamboo and giant heather zones before reaching the high altitude moorland and our first hut, "Old Moses" at 3,300m. This first day's gentle trek takes 2-3 hours and ascends 700m.
Day 3 Up the spectacular Likii and Mackinder Valleys an area of sprawling moorlands and beautiful high altitude plants, such as giant groundsel and lobelia and arrive at the Shipton's Camp at 4,200m after a 7- 8 hour hike and gradual ascent of 900m. This is a dreamlike setting below the towering peaks and glaciers, with its resident populations of bizarre rock hyrax and beautiful sunbirds.
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Storm brewing at the peaks |
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Day 4 For better acclimatisation we have an extra night at Shipton's doing short walks on the summit circuit from here. The usual trek today ascend to Hausberg col (4700m) then descend steeply to Hausberg valley and Oblong tarns before returning for lunch at Shipton’s. Hiking high and returning to sleep low offers a good boost to acclimatisation.
Day 5 Predawn start (3am) for the summit attempt. Up steep screes and a bare rocky track to reach the hikers summit, Pt Lenana at 4,985m in time for sunrise - Kilimanjaro is usually visible 340kms to the south Then 2-3 hours descent to Hall Tarns (4,300m) for a hefty breakfast at an already preset camp. Spend the day relaxed enjoying magnificent scenes of a sheer 300m cliff overlooking the Gorges Valley. |
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Day 6 Gentle hike down a broad ridge enjoying magnificent views back up the valley to the snowy peaks, and down to waterfalls, tarns and lava flows in the Gorges Valley. Overnight in the Meru Mt. Kenya bandas - log fires and hot showers. Wildlife viewing possible in evening with elephant and buffalo often grazing outside our cabins and a large numbers of forest and moorland birds.
Day 7 Descent on a broad track through bamboo and virgin rain forest to meet vehicles for the return to Nairobi - usually arriving mid to late afternoon. |
Charges for a group departure with 8 pax and above on board - Euros 430 per personSupplement for Park fees - USD. 315
Our individual/private trek costs vary with group size. Kindly e-mail us with details.
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Prices quoted include:
All transport - 4WD Land Rovers or safari vehicles
Accommodation as detailed - roomy tents when camping
Camping equipment (except sleeping bags and insulation mats)
Services of guides and porters
All National Park entrance and camp site fees
All food - breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals
A certificate of achievement.
Prices quoted exclude:
International flights
Travel and personal accident insurance
Visa, passport, vaccinations, medicines
Tips
Alcoholic drinks, souvenirs, personal items
Optional excursions/activities not detailed in itinerary
Any additional services requested |
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