Mount Kenya

1st

Depart London .

2nd

Arrive Nairobi; transfer to Mountain Rock Lodge (1950m); acclimatisation walk to Mau Mau Caves.

We drive to Mountain Rock Lodge, around a 4-hour drive in time for lunch. This afternoon we walk to Mau Mau caves in Mount Kenya Forest Reserve. These caves used to be the hideout by local freedom fighters that fought for independence in the colonial period. This is a pleasant walk through the tall towering trees. The forest reserve is home to a wealth of birdlife, game and plants, with at least 11 unique species on the lower slopes of Mount Kenya. You may see Colobus monkeys up in the trees and elephants and buffalo through the clearings. (1950m).

3rd

Transfer to Sirimon Gate and hike to Old Moses – 3,340m.

Short drive, crossing the equator en-route, to the Sirimon Park Gate. From here we trek up through magnificent montane forests, bamboo and giant heather zones before reaching the high altitude moorland and our first campsite, "Old Moses" at 3,340m. This first day's gentle trek takes 3-4 hours and climbs 690m.

4th

Trek to Shiptons Camp – 4,236m.

Up the spectacular Mackinder Valley past strange giant groundsel and lobelia plants to emerge onto what looks like a set from Star Trek - Shipton's Campsite at 4,236m. This is a surreal setting below the towering peaks and glaciers, with its resident populations of bizarre rock hyrax and beautiful sunbirds.

5th

Acclimatization day – ‘Hike high sleep low’.

For better acclimatization you can take a rest day at Shipton's campsite. Short walks possible on the summit circuit here. We normally climb about 370m to Hausberg Col before returning for lunch. Climbing high and sleeping low is excellent for acclimatization - but you can do that almost as well lounging in the sun watching the eagles!

6th

Summit Day.

Early start to reach Pt Lenana at 4,895m for sunrise. The climb starts on frozen scree and continues on a rocky track with some very minor scrambling. With a good moon you barely need a torch. Without a moon, then the pollution-free sky, bang on the equator, gives you as good a view of the stars as almost anywhere on Earth. The climb takes between 3 and 5 hours and to add to the exhilaration Kilimanjaro is usually visible on the horizon. A further 3 hours down to a late breakfast by Hall Tarns in the magnificent Gorges Valley. Then on to Michaelson - 4,000m to relax our tired legs as we are rewarded a memorable stay at this site with a dreamlike setting below the sheer 300m cliff of the Gorges Valley and fascinating views of the towering peaks and glaciers.

7th

Lake Michaelson to Lake Ellis 3,470m.

After breakfast we commence 3 hours trek down past spectacular chasms, waterfalls and weirdly eroded lava flows for our final camp by Lake Ellis 3,470m. A lake with breathtaking views against a mountain background.

8th

Descend; drive to Nairobi; celebration dinner at hotel near airport.

We descend down Mount Kenya up to at (3000m) in 2 hours before a short drive to a much needed shower and beer! En route we stop to enjoy lunch. We then drive on to Nairobi where you will stay at a hotel near the airport and have your final group dinner.

9th

Fly to London .