Mt Kenya Chogoria traverse

Mount Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa, towering up to 5,199m asl. It is believed it was higher but due to continuous mass wasting and erosion, losing some height. Its beautiful peaks are covered by equatorial snow. The mountain offers a variety of scenery and topography including indurating valleys and stunning lakes and tarns, stand-alone tors joined by cols. Vegetation consists of alpine moorlands, bamboo belts and tropical rain forests.

Day 1: Nairobi – Mt Kenya Bandas.

The vehicle will drop you within the Chogoria forest (2600m) to offer you the chance to hike the remaining distance to the Park Gate (2950m). The montane forest is lush and green with several plant species such as Podo and cedar while the Bamboo belt is dense and luxuriant. Both zones are home to hundreds of wildlife species. Overnight at the Mt Kenya Bandas.

Day 2: Mt Kenya Bandas – Lake Ellis.

We start our hike after breakfast. The track here is well marked by occasional trucks driving to the road-head. The initial hike will give us beautiful views of the free-standing Mugi hill and far down the Ithangune, Ntue hills and the main peaks block afar. Overnight camp at the Lake Ellis about 3600m asl.

Day 3: Lake Ellis – Mintos {Hall’s tarns}

The initial trek away from the lake ascends gentle moorland to attain a ridge After enjoying views of Vivienne Falls and the Gorges Valley we ascend towards the Mintos(4,000m) and possibly the most beautiful hike. Overhead tower the cliffs of the Temple while Tacazze Sunbirds and mountain starlings flirt amongst the giant Groundsel & Lobelia and Hyraxes hop around in the rocks. We arrive early at the Mintos hut to prepare for the summit. Early dinner and overnight at the Mintos.

Day 4: Accend Point Lenana – Old Moses camp.

After early breakfast (2:00 am) ascend the Point Lenana for sunrise. The trek now enters the Alpine Zone – after quite a boggy start to the walk the walking surface soon becomes scree. You will climb several steep slopes to the Tooth until the climax at Point Lenana {4,985m}. A short photo session and descend to Shipton’s camp for a hot brunch. After a short rest, we proceed to Old Moses camp (3300m a.s.l.) for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Old Moses – Nairobi.

Breakfast then departure for Sirimon gate 9km downhill, then to Nanyuki for lunch. After lunch, we proceed to Nairobi after a very memorable climb up Mt. Kenya!

Included in your Mt Kenya Trekking Price:

• Accommodation whilst in tents
• All transfers as mentioned above
• All park entry and conservation fees
• All meals while mountaineering
• Services of a professional crew – guide, chef and porters

Excluded from the Price:

• Hotel lunches and beverages en route.
• Any activities or items not mentioned above,
• Items of personal nature,
• Personal insurances covers (including emergency evacuation covers)

What to bring:

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

• • • 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]

1. 1. 3. Optional comfort accessories;

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.