7 Days Mount Kenya Trekking Tour

Tour Preview

This safari to Mt. Kenya allows visitors to experience all the contrasting scenery of Mt. Kenya. It is a beautiful blend of our itineraries, taking advantage of the best aspects of the three main approach routes to the peak area: Chogoria, Sirimon, and Naro Moru.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi – Meru Bandas (2,900m)

Pick-up transfer from Nairobi to Chogoria – Mt. Kenya Bandas (2,900m).

Depart Nairobi at 0800 hrs and drive to the eastern side of the mountain through Embu, enjoying beautiful views of the mountain from various viewpoints and agricultural fields along the way. Arrive at Chogoria town in time for lunch.

After lunch, take a 4x4 vehicle and drive to the edge of the bamboo forest, where trekking begins through the dense forest for approximately 10 km up to the Mt. Kenya Bandas. Dinner and overnight in high-altitude tents.

Day 2: Mt. Kenya Bandas – Lake Ellis Campsite (3,600m)

After breakfast and sorting of porter loads, we set off up the mountain at a relaxed pace. A slightly longer walk via Lake Ellis offers scenic views of Mugi, Ithanguni, and the Giant's Billiard Table. Alternatively, following the river near the roadhead upstream for about 3 km reveals particularly beautiful foreground scenery and flora.

Lunch is taken on the banks of a stream. Afterwards, ascend the left-hand hillside to reach the camp at about 3,600m, well away from more "touristy" areas. Overnight in tents.

Day 3: Lake Ellis – Mintos Camp (4,200m)

Begin with another early start. Again, follow a less-travelled route along a ridge for about 3 hours, eventually joining the main Chogoria route at approximately 4,100m.

Enjoy breathtaking views over the Gorges Valley and back towards Ithanguni and the Northern Moorlands.

Lunch is served at a small stream crossing before continuing for another hour to the Mintos Hut area at 4,200m for the night's rest.

Spend the afternoon relaxing at camp. A 10-minute walk to the "Temple" is highly recommended—a 150-meter vertical cliff named for the posture visitors take when peering over the edge, resembling prayer. Overnight in tents.

Day 4: Mintos Camp – Acclimatisation Day

After breakfast, visit the Gorges Valley, descending to the Vivian Falls and Lake Michaelson. Return to camp in the afternoon for lunch. Overnight in tents at Mintos Camp.

Day 5: Mintos Camp – Pt. Lenana – Shipton's Camp (4,300m)

A pre-dawn start from Mintos Camp to attempt the third-highest peak, Pt. Lenana (4,985m), aiming to reach the summit at sunrise for spectacular views of the main peaks and the surrounding landscape.

Descend via the North Face to Simba Col and continue down to Shipton's Camp for breakfast and rest. Overnight in tents.

Day 6: Shipton – Teleki Valley – Met Station

After breakfast, hike through Mackinder's Valley down to Hausberg Tarn and Two Tarns, then continue to Mackinder's Camp for lunch. This camp is located on the eastern side of the mountain and offers clear views of the three main peaks: Batian, Nelion, and Lenana.

This route completes a scenic circuit of the main peaks, offering diverse views from all major routes.

In the afternoon, descend through moorland and forest to Met Station, arriving in the late afternoon. Overnight in a mountain hut at 3,100m.

Day 7: Met Station – Nairobi

After an early breakfast, descend for about 3 hours through the forest to Naro Moru Park Gate for a transfer to Naro Moru and onward to your next destination.

END

The Tour Includes:

Transfer from Nairobi to Mount Kenya

Transport to the park gates

Transport from the park gates to Nairobi or your hotel

Mount Kenya National Park conservation (entry) fees

Mount Kenya National Park compulsory rescue fees

Mount Kenya National Park hut accommodation fees

Trained, certified English-speaking guides

Trained, certified English-speaking porters

One porter per person for personal mountain luggage (maximum 15 kg)

Trained, certified cook/chef, including utensils, cutlery, and crockery

All meals during the Mount Kenya climbing expedition

Boiled water, tea, and coffee with meals

One basic first aid kit per group

The Tour Excludes:

Pre- and post-climb accommodation in Naro Moru (if required)

Any domestic or international flights

Specialised climbing equipment, such as oxygen cylinders (available at extra cost)

Travel insurance, visa, and passport fees

Increases in park fees where applicable

Personal mountain equipment such as sleeping bags, walking poles, mattresses, duffel bags, etc. (available at extra cost)

Metal water bottles and water bladders (note: no soft plastics are permitted on the mountain)

Tips/gratuities for guides, porters, and cook

Beverages such as soda and alcoholic drinks

Additional unscheduled transfers from the park gates to Nairobi or the hotel.