Destination Kenya
The Chogoria route is not only our top recommendation but is also arguably the most splendid route for ascending to the summit area. It stands out as the driest path leading up the mountain, and the trek alongside the Gorges Valley is genuinely breathtaking. This expedition provides a generous 7-day window for acclimatization and a safe ascent to the mountain's peak. The "Round the Peaks" circuit, rightly renowned, offers ever-changing panoramas of the summits, glaciers, and tarns, adorned with their unique high-altitude vegetation. The descent via the Sirimon route takes you through enchanting forest trails and completes the traverse of the mountain.
Accommodation for this hike includes 4 nights in mountain huts and 2 nights of camping. Nevertheless, if you prefer camping, you have the option to camp throughout the entire journey.
Driving through picturesque agricultural landscapes towards Chogoria town for a well-deserved lunch break. After lunch, embark on a 4x4 ride, venturing up to the edge of the bamboo forest, where the trekking portion of the adventure commences. This involves traversing a dense bamboo forest, covering a distance of 10 km, until you reach Mt. Kenya Bandas. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at Mount Kenya Bandas.
Following a hearty breakfast and the organization of porter loads, commence your ascent up the mountain at a leisurely pace. Opt for a slightly longer route via Lake Ellis, which rewards you with scenic vistas of Mugi, Ithanguni, and the imposing Giants Billiards Table. Alternatively, if you follow the river near the roadhead, you can enjoy a 3 km upstream trek amid particularly beautiful foreground scenery and flora. Pause for a streamside lunch before ascending the left-hand hillside to reach your camp at approximately 3,600m, strategically located away from the more frequented "touristy" areas.
Embark on a similar early start as you venture off the beaten track, following a ridge up the mountain for about 3 hours. Eventually, you'll join the tourist track on the normal Chogoria route at an altitude of approximately 4,100m. Revel in breathtaking views over the Gorges Valley and towards Ithanguni and the Northern Moorlands. Lunch will be served at a small stream crossing before continuing for an additional hour to reach the Mintos Hut area at 4200m, where you'll rest for the night. In the afternoon, take time to relax at the camp, and consider a 10-minute walk to the "Temple," a 150-meter vertical cliff known for the prayer-like posture visitors often adopt when peering over the edge.
Today's trek begins with an ascent along the foot of massive rock walls. From the summit, you'll be treated to an excellent view of Mt. Kenya. After a couple of hours of ascending, you'll reach Tooth Col. From here, traverse until you arrive at the Austrian Hut for dinner and overnight.
Depart at 5.00 am for a predawn attempt, climbing for 1 hour across bare rock and scree slopes characteristic of the alpine region, until you reach Pt Lenana, the hiker's summit. Arrive in time to witness the mesmerizing African sunrise. Descend to the Austrian Hut (Top hut) for a well-deserved breakfast. After breakfast, continue your descent to Mackinder’s camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
Following breakfast, embark on a clockwise climb, ascending to Two Tarns and Nanyuki Tarns. Then, pass between Oblong and Hausberg Tarns before descending to Shipton's camp on the Northern side of the peak, at about 4200 meters, where you'll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, commence a 5-hour descent via Mackinder's valley, leading to the Old Moses camp (3,300m). The descent is gentle, offering ample time to savor the fascinating scenery, including the moorlands, before reaching the camp for lunch. After lunch, transfer back to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon.
Destination Kenya
Destination Tanzania
Mountain Climbing
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Here is a list of travel information you may find useful when planning your safari holiday tour of Kenya and Tanzania. If you require any further details or have questions on something not covered by this list, please get in touch with the Grayton Expeditions team.
Tourists visiting Kenya must have a valid visa. Your passport must also be valid for at least six months after the date
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