Mount Kenya Safari
Background Information
Mt. Kenya is an imposing extinct volcano dominating the landscape of the Kenyan Highlands, East of the Rift Valley. Mt. Kenya lies about 140 km North, North-East of Nairobi with its Northern flanks across the Equator. The mountain has two main peaks - Batian (5200m) and Nelion (5188m). The mountains slopes are cloaked in forest, bamboo, scrub and moorland giving way on the high central peaks to rock, ice and snow. Mt. Kenya is an important water catchment area, supplying the Tana and Northern Ewaso Nyiro systems.
The park includes a variety of habitats ranging from higher forest, bamboo, alpine moorlands, glaciers, tarns and glacial morains.
The park, which was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1997 and is also a Biosphere Reserve, covers 715 km2, and includes the Peaks consisting of all the ground above 3200m with two small salients extending lower down to 2450m along the Sirimon and Naro Moru tracks. Surrounding the park is Mount Kenya National Reserve with an area of approximately 2095 km2.
Climate:
Mt. Kenya varies with altitude.
FIVE –DAY SIRIMON TREK
The Sirimon Trek, is one of the finest approaches to the peak area. It offers some of the best views of the main peaks, with a gradual climb which can be done leisurely. We traverse the mountain by ascending the Sirimon Track.
Day 1
Morning spent sorting and organizing personal equipment for the mountain trek. Lunch at the Lodge (This is an extra charge). In the afternoon, we are driven to the Sirimon Park Gate and then to the road-head at 3,300m. An easy trek in the afternoon to help acclimatization. Overnight Judmaier Camp (3300m) in the high altitude mountain tents.
Day 2
Ascend the Sirimon Track to Likii North Valley and camp overnight in this beautiful little valley below the subsidiary peaks of Teleki and Sendeyo, two ancient parasitic vents of the main peaks. (3990m)
1
Climb out of the North Valley and into the Mackinders Valley , one of the broadest valleys on the mountain, with many giant groundsels. Camp at the head of the Mackinder's Valley, just below the main peaks of Batian and Nelion (4,300m).
Day 4
Alpine ascent to the highest peak, Pt. Lenana (4985m). En route up the north face little used by tourists. Four hours of stiff walking to the summit. Then descend to Teleki Valley on the opposite side of the main peaks, to Mackinder's Camp for a good night rest (4150m.).
Day 5
Descend to the Met Station (road head) on the Naro Moru Track and back to the Lodge.
FIVE-DAY CHOGORIA
This is by far the most spectacular and beautiful route on Mt. Kenya , in which you ascend from Chogoria Route and descend through Naro Moru Route . This is only possible during dry weather
Day 1
Leave Naro Moru River Lodge in the morning after preparing the equipment. You are driven through Nanyuki, Timau and Meru before arriving at Chogoria Town and then through the rain forest gate to the road-head, (3200m). Overnight at the gate cliffs in tents.
Day 2
After breakfast, trek to Mintos Hut 4.300m, for overnight. Lunch is served on the way. Trekking time 4-5hours.
Day 3
Trek along gorges Valley descending to Lake Michaelson , then Lunch at Vivienne. Trek through the magnificent castle rocks to Mintos Hut and overnight – “whole day hiking”
Day 4
Hike up through Square Tarn to climax at Pt. Lenana, 4985m which is the third highest peak on Mt. Kenya . Descend via Austrian Hut then down to Mackinder's camp for overnight in our Teleki Lodge at 4150m, walking time 5-6 hours.
Day 5
Descend via Naro Moru Route vertical bog arriving at Met Station before 12.00noon, where our vehicles will be waiting to bring you down to the Lodge.
