Our traverse of Mt. Kenya makes a gradual ascent of Africa’s second highest peak, with plenty of time to acclimatise to the altitude and climate. From Nairobi we cross the equator and head to Mt. Kenya’s Sirimon Park gate to commence our Mount Kenya traverse via Point Lenana (4985m), the massif’s highest non-technical summit. Our choice of route provides excellent acclimatisation by traversing and circling Mt. Kenya linking two of its most famous trails – the Sirimon and Naru Moru trails. The trek offers spectacular ever changing scenery: vistas of vast plains bordering the Great Rift Valley, dense forest, deep gorges, waterfalls, moorland, glaciers and mountain tarns.

For experienced climbers there is the option to add on a climb of Kenya’s technical peaks, Nelion (5188m) and Batian (5188m) (please contact the Adventure Peaks office for details).

Why not extend your stay in Kenya - we have a wide variety of safari extensions available, or head south to Tanzania and climb to the Roof of Africa on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Day 1 Depart UK, Fly to Nairobi. Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel.

Day 2 After breakfast we set off on the 200km drive north across the equator to the Mount Kenya National Park where we meet our team of porters at Sirimon Park Gate (2600m). After completion of park entry formalities, we hike through montane forest, with bamboo, rosewood and heather zones to Judmeier Camp. Old Moses camp (3300m), where we will camp for the first night on the mountain, is a little further on. The forest and bamboo are home to hundreds of buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks and a plethora of bird species. Approx 5 hours walking, 700m ascent.

Day 3 Today we cross the moorland with its colourful grasses and enjoy breathtaking views of Nelion and Batian. The slopes of Mount Kenya are scored by valleys formed by melting glaciers. This afternoon we drop into an isolated valley to camp next to the small Liki North Hut (3990m). Approx 5 hours walking, 850m ascent.

Day 4 After an early breakfast we commence our trek through the sprawling moorlands up to Shipton's Camp (4200m). The route provides opportunities for fascinating views of unique moorland plants and scenery but is also a test of your individual endurance! Lunch stop is at a vantage point overlooking the Mackinder valley. Tonight’s camp is dominated by views of the twin spires of Nelion and Batian, and Point Lenana will also now be in view. There is also a large population of Rock Hyrax, similar to a marmot, which you may see basking on the rocks in the sun or huddled in groups for warmth. Approx 4-5 hours walking, 300m ascent.

Day 5 Today is a long day, initially climbing steeply up from Shipton’s Camp past two mountain lakes. The terrain is a barren moonscape but always with spectacular views of the rocky snow covered summits of Batian and Nelion. We pass the Gorges Valley, a deep cut v-shaped chasm on the long trek up to the Austrian Hut. Approx 6 hours walking, 300m ascent.

Day 6 A predawn start is needed for our summit attempt up to Pt. Lenana (4985m), the hikers summit, aiming to arrive there in time to see the African sunrise. From Pt. Lenana you have good views of Pt. Nelion (5188m), Pt. Batian (5199m) and other surrounding peaks, and on a clear day the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro can be seen protruding from the sky over 340km to the south. The ascent follows a rocky ridge to the right of the Lewis glacier and a final steeper section leads to the summit. From the summit descend the Austrian hut for lunch and continue down the western side of Mt Kenya to MacKinder’s Hut for the night. From here we get the classic view of the spires of Nelion and Batian. 8 to 10 hours walking.

Nelion & Battian Extension

Those who have opted to add the climbing summits of Nelion and Battian will set off very early in the morning today. The ascents are technical, requiring rock/mixed climbing experience. Please contact us for more info.

Day 7 We descend from MacKinder’s camp down to the Met Station, passing through the steepest, wettest section of moorland called the Vertical Bog, and continue down through the forest. Approx 5 hours walking.

Day 8 Today we hike out to the Naro Moru Gate (2500m) to meet the vehicles that will transfer you back to the hotel in Nairobi before transferring to the airport for the overnight flight home. Approx 3-4 hours walking.

Day 9 Arrive back in the UK.

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