Mt Kenya Traverse, Kamweti Trail, is an adventurous virgin jungle trail on the southern slopes. Visit Kamweti waterfalls, Thagana River, Thegu River, and Lake Honnel

Day 1: Nairobi – Kamweti – Old Forest Gate

We depart Nairobi at 08.00 am and drive to Forest Castle Lodge (2000m) for lunch on the southern slopes of Mt. Kenya. We meet our mountain crew Lunch is served as packaging is done by the crew. We start our 3-4 hour hike through the natural bamboo forest to the old Kamweti forest gate at an elevation of 2,400m asl. Dinner and overnight stay in fly-camp.

Day 2: Old Forest Gate – Sagana River camp

After breakfast at the camp, we hike towards the Sagana River Camp, which will be at an altitude of 2980m. The hike, with lunch on the way, takes about 6 hours and leads through a dense bamboo forest. Just across the Sagana River, we will find our fly camp already set up by the crew. This is the most adventurous day, feel like you are the ‘‘George of the Jungle’’. During the rainy season, the river crossing can be difficult, but our crew will get you across safely. Dinner and an overnight stay in a fly camp.

Day 3: Sagana River Camp – Thegu River Camp

Wake up for breakfast, ready for the day trek to Thegu river camp at 3750m a.s.l. We shall be exiting the bamboo belt to giant heather and to the moorland. The rare alpine plants that grow here are commonly named Seneca & Lobelia. The walk is tough, taking 6-7 hours. Lunch will be served en route. The crew will prepare our fly camp for dinner and shelter from the biting cold.

Day 4: Thegu River Camp – Mackinder’s Hut

After breakfast, we hike through Lake Hohnel for lunch, admiring the view of the peaks and alpine vegetation. We descend the Teleki valley to Teleki Hut {Mackinders camp} at 4300m a.s.l. for overnight. Tonight, we take shelter in dormitories like bunkhouses in preparation for the next day’s challenge of our final ascent to Point Lenana. This marks the end of the Kamweti trail as we join the Naomoru trail. The majestic mountain will be overlooking, like welcoming you…with occasional snowy winds from the peaks. Mountain hyraxes, too will be your friends as the mountain chat snatches your snacks….there is also an occasional call from rare and endangered Mackinders Owl. This will be the first day to meet other climbers from other easy “Coca-Cola” routes……

Day 5: Mackinder’s camp – Summit – Old Moses Camp 

After an early morning pre-breakfast at 4.00 am, the hike takes us via steep scree to the Austrian Hut {Top Hut} at 4790m. We have a short break to sip some hot tea and biscuits, before the final challenge on Point Lenana (4895m) via Lewis Glacier. After capturing the sunrise and taking our summit photos, we descend on the northern side via Simba Col to Shipton’s Camp (4200m) where lunch will be taken. Thereafter we continue down on the Sirimon route to Judimier – Old Moses Camp at 3300m a.s.l. Dinner will pave the way for a well-deserved rest after a very long, strenuous, but eventful day.

Day 6: Old Moses Camp – Nairobi

Our final descent takes us 9km to the Sirimon Gate, 2,650m a.s.l. Here we meet our driver for the onward transfer. After a light lunch, we bid our crew goodbye and transfer to Nairobi for evening departures or any other destination.
 
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.

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 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

      • 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. 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.