The 7-Day Technical Climb S.E. Normal Route is a challenging rock climbing adventure to the apex of Mt. Kenya, Nelion, and Batian.
Day 1: Nairobi – Sirimon Gate- Old Moses Camp. ( 3,300m)
After pick-up in Nairobi, drive to Nanyuki town for lunch, crossing the equator en route to the Sirimon Park gate (2660m). From the gate, we trek up through magnificent montane forest, bamboo, and a giant heather zone before reaching the high-altitude moorland and our first hut (Old Moses Camp 3,300m) for dinner and overnight. This is a gentle trek that takes 3–4 hours, gaining an elevation of 680m.
Day 2: Old Moses – Shipton camp (4200m).
After breakfast, follow the track uphill, forking right at the junction. After a water break, you continue on the track, crossing Ontulili River before turning right, contouring through the Moorland, crossing the Liki North River, and continuing uphill to Mackinders Valley, from where there are panoramic views up the valley towards Shipton Camp. This camp is in a surreal setting below the towering peaks and glaciers. The resident population is of rock hyrax and sunbirds.
Day 3: Shipton – Mackinder’s Camp (4200m)
For better acclimatization, we kick off our peak circuit trek. Today we go anticlockwise, first through Hausberg Col at 4591m, and then pass between Oblong and Hausberg Tarns. You then climb up to Nanyuki and Two Tarns before descending to Mackinder’s Camp on the southwestern side of the peak, at about 4200 metres, for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Mackinder’s Camp – Point Lenana (4,985m) – Austrian Hut (4,720m)
Today we continue our trek up to Top Hut (Austrian Hut), 4,800m. From this Hut, we make a short ascent of Point Lenana, 4,985 m. Point Lenana is the common trekker’s Mount Kenya ” Summit”
Day 5: Austrian Hut – Nelion (5188m) – Batian (5199m)
Always plan and allow for an extra day or two to allow the weather to be favourable for the climb.
(Climbing day) South-East Face of Nelion, Grade IV. 7 hours to Batian.
Day 6: Austrian Hut – Meru Mount Kenya Bandas Lodge.
After breakfast, our trek begins, and we are to hike down the Scenic Chogoria Route. Our trek out begins with a descent to Mintos Hut. From here, we follow the backbone of a ridge, overlooking the spectacular Gorges Valley. Losing elevation fast, we leave the high moorlands and enter the forest belt that surrounds Mount Kenya. As we approach the cabins of Meru Mount Kenya Bandas (our destination for the night), we are most likely to spot Cape buffalo, bushbuck, and tracks of other wild animals. The Bandas are a welcome luxury! With hot showers, a fine evening log fire, and a BED! Without mentioning a cold beer.
Day 7: Meru Bandas – Chogoria town – Nairobi.
After breakfast, we hiked for the first hour or so, enjoying the bamboo forest. You often see elephant tracks and signs of many other wild animals. We continue further down, up to the 10-kilometre mark, where we are picked up by a 4-wheel-drive vehicle. We continue the drive to Chogoria town and switch to another vehicle for transfer back to Nairobi, arriving by 17:00 hrs.
Included in the pricing:
– Airport transfers.
– All camping equipment.
– Transfer to and from the base of the mountain.
– Full board accommodation whilst on the trek.
– 3 Meals a day ( special diet vegetarian and halal).
– Accommodations in camps/huts as per the itinerary.
– All park entrance fees to include government taxes.
– Service of an English-speaking professional guide, porters, and skilled cooks.
– Start and finish Nairobi.
– Water -You just need bottled water on the first day. The rest of the days we boil or add purifying tablets then filter using an MSR water filtering pump before refilling your water bottles in the morning.
– Rescue fee.
– H.F. Radio communication for backup in case of a rescue.
Excluded in the pricing:
– Laundry.
– Tips.
– Hiking equipment.
– Soft drinks.
– Accommodation before and after the trek.
– Climbing gears ( we have them for hire).
– International flights.
– Visas to Kenya.
– Items of a personal nature.
– Any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary.
– No mosquito net.
NB: Proper equipment is vital to a safe and enjoyable trek.
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 for four (4) seasons 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.
