Mt Kenya Trek Chogoria - Sirimon Route (5 day)
Expect a challenging trek. The ascent to the base of the high peaks is steady and longer hence a real test on individual fitness. Descent through Sirimon route is more or less gradual and at a comfortable pace.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Nairobi- Mt Kenya Bandas (2,900m)
Depart from Nairobi at 0800hrs, driving through agricultural country up to Chogoria town for lunch. After lunch, we take 4x4 and drive up to the edge of the bamboo forest where we start our trekking through the dense bamboo forest for a distance of 10 km to the Mt Kenya Bandas.
Dinner and overnight at the Meru Mount Kenya Bandas.
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 nice and easy pace . A slightly longer walk via Lake Ellis gives scenic views of Mugi, Ithanguni and the Giants Billiards Table, whilst if we follow the river near road head, upstream for about 3 km, the foreground scenery and flora is particularly beautiful. Lunch on the banks of a stream, then it's time to cut up the left hand hillside to our camp at about 3,600m, well away from any of the more "touristy" areas
Day 3: Lake Ellis - Minto`s Camp. ( 4,200m).
Similar early start. Again well off the beaten track to follow a ridge up the mountain for about 3 hours to eventually join the tourist track on the normal Chogoria route at an altitude of about 4,100m. Breath taking views over the Gorges Valley and back over towards Ithanguni and the Northern Moorlands. Lunch is served at a small stream crossing, before continuing for a further hour to the Mintos Hut area at 4200m and our night's rest. Afternoon is spent relaxing at camp, though a 10 minute walk to the "Temple" is well worth the effort. This is a 150 meters vertical cliff that gets its name from the position visitors often adopt when peering over the edge - they look as if they are praying.
An early night is recommended as you are attempting the summit next day.
Day 4: Minto`s - Pt Lenana ( 4,985m)- Old Moses camp
Predawn attempt of the summit starts at 0300hrs and you hike for about three hours up to Point Lenana (4985m), the hiker's summit, arriving there in time to watch the African sunrise. Descend to Shipton's camp for breakfast and a whole day's rest. Dinner and overnight at Shipton's camp (4200m)
Day 5: Old Moses camp - Nairobi
After breakfast, begin a 5-6 hour descent to Sirimon Park gate (2600m). The descent is gentle and it offers ample time to enjoy fascinating scenery which includes the moorlands and forests. Transfer to Nairobi.
2010 Prices:
All Prices are per person.
1 passenger (PAX): US$ 770
2 PAX: US$ 685
3 or more PAX: US$ 645
The following items are included in the above prices:
- All transportation to/from the mountain
- All Park fees.
- All food while on the Mountain.
- Accommodation in mountain huts/ camping where applicable.
- All guiding services
- Porter support for the climb.
Not included in the cost of the trip:
- Personal clothing and equipment (see equipment list)
- Tips and gratuities for guides and porter (recommended to be 10 - 15% of climb costs)
- Beverages while not on the mountain