5 Day Mt Kenya crossover climb Sirimon – Chogoria, a classic trek combining two of the most splendid routes. Sirimon route is a gentle ascent trail while the Chogoria route is the most scenic, and has an acclimatization day to boost the summit-reach success rate.
Mount Kenya has been thought of and held in reverence by the local communities as God`s residence. The snow on the peaks astonished the explorers who could not figure out its existence right at the equator. The roads were initially dug for the military purpose to help access the forest to flush out Maumau freedom fighters. The mountain has not escaped the attention of notable filmmakers who shot awarding cinemas and documentaries. {Nowhere in Africa, The Night Climbers of Cambridge, and No Picnic on Mt. Kenya are just but a few.} Book writers have also written some best-selling titles “The Ascent” Mt. Kenya was recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and later to UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mt Kenya is regarded as the most visually stunning of the ice-capped African peaks and is home to a great diversity of wildlife, including leopard, elephant, and buffalo. The ascent is an exhilarating and diverse trek, with relatively few hikers compared to Kilimanjaro. Many would argue that Mount Kenya, whilst not being as high as Kilimanjaro, is certainly the more enjoyable, interesting and dramatic of the two mountains.
Sirimon route is considered by many to represent Mt. Kenya as one of the easiest routes to reach point Lenana. The route is on the dry side of the mountain and affords walks through old-growth forest on lower slopes and giant heather, alpine flowers and lobelia at higher elevations.
Chogoria route is on the east side of the mountain and the most scenic and rewarding for hikers interested in seeing beautiful panoramic landscapes and the exotic flora on Mt Kenya. Being on the windward, the forest is thick and healthy often with undergrowth and umbrella canopies.
Day 1: Nairobi – Nanyuki – Old Moses camp(Judimier)
Meet at Nairobi CBD, Hilton {Bata shop} hotel at 07:00hrs. Drive to Nanyuki will take four and a half {4 ½} hours. Here we meet the crew for the hike. We also replenish our supplies before driving to Sirimon park gate at an altitude of 2,650m a.s.l. Picnic lunch is served while payments and formalities are finalized. We hike for nine {9km} to Old Moses camp 3,300m asl. for dinner and overnight. Accommodation in the bunkhouses in form of dormitories.
Day 2: Old Moses camp – Shipton’s camp via Mackinder’s Valley
After early breakfast, hike to Shipton`s camp through Mackinder`s valley. Lunch served en route or picnic packed lunch box. Elevation attained one thousand {1,000m} to 4,300m a.s.l. Dinner and overnight in the bunkhouse.
Day 3: Shipton’s camp – Acclimatization
It is an acclimatization day in preparation for the summit ascent. We explore the adjacent cols & ridges neighbouring the camp. The drill is as always to climb high and sleep low.
Day 4: Shipton’s camp – Point Lenana – Mount Kenya Bandas
After a light pre-breakfast at 02:00hrs ascend to our main trekker`s Point Lenana for sunrise at 06:30hrs. A short celebration and photo session marking the climax of the hike. Descend to Halls tarn { Mintos Hut} having a glimpse at the Temple. Hot brunch will be served at this camp. Proceed to the trail enjoying a panoramic view to road head altitude of 3,300m a.s.l. The final stretch of the day to the Bandas where a hot shower awaits you. Dine and overnight at the camp.
Day 5: Mount Kenya Bandas – Nairobi
After breakfast, board the transfer vehicle to Chogoria town where we bid farewell to the mountain crew. Proceed to Nairobi and expect to arrive in the afternoon.
Mountains have their own climate on account of their height. Rain clouds can appear without warning and be gone hours later. An early morning frost is possible at any time of the year and guests should bring a fleece and light rain jacket, although during the heat of the day shorts and T-shirts should suffice.
Sleeping bag; one rated four (4) season is fine. The bag should be a snug fit since if it is too large there will be more cool air for the body to warm
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- Rain Trouser
- Rain Jacket [Poncho]
- Balaclava [Hat Woollen]
- Warm Clothes down jacket
- Thermal underwear
- Fleece Jacket
- Hiking Boots
- Gloves
- Walking Sticks
- Head Torch
- Sunglasses
- First Aid box
- Ruck Suck 65L (duffel bags are unacceptable) to be carried by porters
- Day Pack 35 [For your personal effects]
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- Optional comfort accessories;
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Walking poles, hot water bottle, Bivy bag
Wet wipes; ideal for those who want to stay fresh but are unable to bear dips in the freezing mountain weather
4: Passport/Identification Card {ID}
5: Personal travel/ medical insurance
Options are of course many and varied and in many cases, we can be flexible about the itinerary for accommodation facilities and the extension of the safari destinations.
