A moderate summit trek enriched with a fascinating peak circuiting trek for extra acclimatisation.
An itinerary that is highly recommended for trekkers seeking a 5 day trek on Mountain Kenya offering a high levels of success to reach the hiker’s summit (Point Lenana – 4985m). The added advantage of this moderate trek is the fact that it offers extra acclimatization when you trek partly or all around the peaks ahead of attempting the summit. You’ll also enjoy facilitating views of the high peaks from all angles. The hike goes up through montane forest, bamboo, heather and Mooreland zones to Shiptons camp (4200m) below the peaks from where you skirt the high peaks to the east, bypassing Hausburg col, Oblong tarn and Two-tarn.
On this itinerary you have a choice to approach the summit from the more challenging Naromoru trail starting at Mackinder’s camp on day 4 OR return to Shipton’s after the summit circuit hike on day 3 and attempt the summit on the easier Sirimon trail that’s highly recommended for the less experienced trekkers. See tip below day 3 details on the itinerary. Unless preferred, camping is not necessary on this trek as accommodation is available in mountain huts throughout the trip.
Detailed itinerary:Day 1: OLDMOSES HUT – 3,340m
- Transfer to Mountain Rock Lodge (1950m) for lunch.
- Transfer to Sirimon gate then Trek Oldmoses hut. Approx 10Kms / 2.5 hrs. Ascent: 740m.
D1 details: Drive from Nairobi to Mountain Rock Lodge on the lower slopes of Mount Kenya arriving in time for lunch. From here is a short drive, crossing the equator en-route, to the Sirimon Park Gate. Then trek up through magnificent montane forests, bamboo and giant heather zones before reaching the high altitude moorland and our Old Moses Mountain Hut /Campsite.
Day 2: SHIPTON’S CAMP – 4,200m. Hike to Shiptons camp.
Approx 14Kms / 7- 8hrs. Ascent: 860m.
D3 details: After an early breakfast trek to Shipton’s camp (4200m). The hike is awesome but a good test on individual endurance on the mountain. The rigorous but exciting trek up takes you across hills and valleys through the entire stretch of the sprawling moorlands where you see several unique and interesting plants and animals including the Giant groundsels and lobelias and the mountain rock hyrax.
Day 3: MACKINDER’S CAMP – 4,300m.Hike via Hausberg col. (4,600m) to Mackinders Hut/Camp.
Approx. 7Kms / 4 hrs. Ascent: 400m then Descent: 300m.
D3 Details: Departing at 0800hrs ascend the Hausberg col (4700m) then descend steeply to Hausberg valley and Oblong tarns before making a further steep ascent, crossing huge boulders via Two Tarn on the way to Mackinder’s camp which is located along the Naromoru route within the Teleki Valley.
Day 4: OLDMOSES CAMP – 3340m. Or MET STATION CAMP – 3,050m
Trek via Pt. Lenana (4,985m) to Oldmoses or Met station camp. approx. 20Kms / 10h). Ascent: 685m. and descent 1935m.
D4 Details: Leaving camp at 0300hrs you hike up the steep scree slopes and glacier to Point Lenana (4985m), the hiker’s summit. It is planned that you arrive in time to witness the African Sun rising over the equator, reflect its golden glow on the Majestic peaks of Batian and Nelion – you may feel tired after this demanding adventure but absolutely ecstatic after you’ve made it to the top. After a brief celebration at the top descend to Makinder’s camp (4200m) for breakfast then proceed further down on the Naro Moru Trail to arrive at Met Station in time for lunch. Relax the rest of the afternoon in readiness of our departure from the mountain tomorrow. Dinner and overnight at the Met Station.NB: There is a possibility to exit the mountain at this stage and reduce this itinerary by a day.
Day 5 MOUNTAIN ROCK LODGE (1900m.) OR NAIROBI (1650m.)
D5 Details: Have early breakfast before your descend to Naro Moru park gate in 2hours, from where you connect the car to mountain Rock Lodge or Nairobi.