Mt. Kenya National Park lies at an altitude of 5,595 meters above sea level. According to local folklore, Kenya owes its name to this majestic mountain which is the second highest mountain in Africa after Kilimanjaro. Part of the mountains attractions is the variation in the flora & fauna found at different altitudes. Dry upland forest covers the lower slopes while true mountain forest begins at an altitude of 2,000 meters and comprises of cedar, Meru oak & podo trees.
A belt of bamboo forest that merges with smaller trees, spread with glades begins at an altitude of 2,500 meters. The forest is home to a variety of animals & rare plants. The mountain also features in tribal folklore as being the home of the supreme-being “Ngai” (God) and it is therefore treated as a holy shrine.
FIVE - DAY CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF MT. KENYA – 5 Day Trek
| Day 1 |
After lunch at the lodge, drive to Met Station where we spend the rest of the day acclimatizing. Overnight at your mountain log cabins. |
| Day 2 |
Hike up into Teleki valley to Mackinders Camp, where there is a spectacular view of the main peaks. Walking time approximately 4-6 hours. Overnight at Mackinder’s camp. (4,150m). |
| Day 3 |
After an early breakfast, begin the circumnavigation of the main peaks by heading north. One traverse takes us below the south and west faces on our approach to Two Tarn Hut then cross western terminal into Hausberg Valley and finally over Hausberg Col and into Mackinder Valley. Walking time approximately 5 hours. The highest point reached today is 4,500m. Our Camp at Mackinder Valley is at an altitude of 4,300m. Night will be spent in high altitude tents. |
| Day 4 |
Alpine ascent of the third highest peak Pt. Lenana up the north face - the top should be reached after about four hours of stiff walking. Altitude of Pt. Lenana is 4,965m. We then descend into Teleki Valley and spend the night at our original camp having completed a scenic traverse of the Mountain. |
| Day 5 |
Descend the Mountain to Met Station and return to the lodge. |
SIX DAYS BEST OF MT. KENYA – 6 Day Trek
| Day 1 |
Morning spent sorting and organizing equipment for the mountain trek. Lunch at the lodge (this is an extra charge) and in the afternoon we are driven to the Sirimon Gate and on to the road head at 3,300m. An easy walk in the afternoon to help with acclimatization and overnight at Judmaier’s Camp (3,300m) in the high altitude mountain tents. |
| Day 2 |
After breakfast, trek up the moorland and break away from the Sirimon track at an altitude of 3,940m, contouring into the Sirimon Valley. This is a seldom-visited area with a tremendous amount of wildlife. Overnight in Sirimon Valley. |
| Day 3 |
An early start out of the Sirimon Valley and into the head of the Hinde Valley. We then cross the Nithi and Gorges Valleys. Undoubtedly one of the most scenic areas of the mountain with its 1,000 vertical cliffs, its virgin valleys and cascading waterfall, this is one of the most spectacular trekked areas in Kenya. Night camp at Hall Tarns (4,300m) |
| Day 4 |
Descend to Lake Michaelson, in the depth of the Gorges Valley. View the incredible cave formation known as the Temple. Walk down the valley to Vivienne Falls (named after the famous author of Speak to the Earth). Return to camp in the afternoon and overnight at Hall Tarns. (4,300m). |
| Day 5 |
Alpine ascent on the third highest peak Pt. Lenana (4,985m). En route up north face and 04 hours of stiff walking to the summit. Descend to Teleki Valley and spend the night at our Mackinders Camp (4,150m). |
| Day 6 |
Descend the mountain via the Naro-Moru route completing a picturesque circuit of Mt. Kenya, to the Naro Moru River Lodge for a well-earned rest. |
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