Mount Kenya
A challenging trek and ascent of Point Lenana on Kenya's highest peak.

Mount Kenya is the name given for a massif of several summits which contain the highest peaks in Kenya. The true highest points of Nelion (5,188m) and Batian (5,199m) are technical rock climbs and are not suitable objectives for a trip of this nature. The highest summit of Mount Kenya which is attainable by the mountain walker is Point Lenana at an altitude of 4,985m and this will be our first objective. Our journey begins with a flight to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. We acclimatise with an enjoyable trek into the heart of the Mount Kenya massif following the classic Sirimon route. We are rewarded with views of every aspect of this spectacular range. We camp at Shiptons Hut and American Camp before making the ascent of Point Lenana and are rewarded with views of the sunrise over the Great Rift Valley. We trek out down the Teleki Valley to the comfortable lodge at Naro Moru.

Suggested Itinerary

DAY 1
We depart from the UK in the evening for our flight to Nairobi.

Day 2
We arrive into Nairobi Airport in the morning and are met by our private transport. We drive north for three hours to the delightful Naro Moru River Lodge in Nanyuki district, an excellent place to relax and unwind from the long flight and travelling. The lodge is a former British colonial residence with charming riverside gardens and wooden chalets. There is an abundance of colourful wildlife in the adjacent forests.

Day 3
After breakfast we drive north across the Equator to Mount Kenya National Park. There is a monument of sorts on the Equator and we can have our photographs taken standing with one leg in the northern hemisphere and one leg in the southern. At Sirimon park gates we register with the Rangers and meet our crew of porters who will accompany us for the next few days. The initial part of the trail follows a good track through dense forests alive with birdsong and the sounds of noisy Colubus monkeys. Elephants also inhabit these parts, but they are rare these days and we will be lucky to see one. We emerge on the edge of the forest where it joins the moorland zone, and reach our campsite at Judmeier, also known as Old Moses Camp (3340m).

Day 4
The route begins to climb quite steadily now so although today's' walk is relatively short, we will be gaining altitude more rapidly now and it is important not to proceed too quickly. We trek across gentle moorland slopes passing under 'the Barrow' to reach our overnight stop at Liki North Hut (3900m). We should be at the camp by mid afternoon, allowing for an exploratory hike into the surrounding wilderness area.

Day 5
In the morning we complete our trek up to Shiptons hut. Although not far in distance we are now at an altitude of 4200 metres. We stop here and our staff will put up the camp. Meanwhile we will take a packed lunch and go for a long acclimatisation hike. Our objective will be Mintos Hut and tarn (4200m). Although at the same height as Shiptons Hut, there is much ascent and descent between the two, making this ideal territory for an acclimatisation hike. In addition from Mintos we get great views down into the deep corrie of Lake Michaelson. In the afternoon we return to our camp at Shiptons hut.

Day 6
We leave camp at 3am, maybe earlier, for the hike and scramble to the summit of this third highest point on Mount Kenya. Walking with head torches and hopefully by moonlight we take about three hours to reach the summit of Point Lenana (4,985m). Although the climb is straightforward the final section is hard work at this high altitude. We should have timed it right to reach the summit as dawn breaks over the great Rift Valley, a sight you will never forget. After enjoying the views and taking our summit photographs, we descend down to the Austrian Hut (4700m) where we can pause and perhaps have a light second breakfast. We then have a leisurely stroll back down the Teleki valley towards Mackinders Camp, where we can take lunch. The path continues easily until we begin a long descent through a section known as the Vertical Bog. If it is dry this section is no problem. If it is wet, the vertical bog can live up to its name. Finally we reach a campsite by the road head, known locally as the Met Station (3,050m - there is a Meteorological station here).

Day 7
In the morning our private vehicle will meet us. We drive for about two hours out through the Mount Kenya Park Gates back to the comforts of the Naro Moru River Lodge which we should reach in time for lunch. The welcoming outdoor swimming pool will doubtless be the main focus for the remainder of today's activities.

Day 8
After lunch we drive back south to Nairobi for our evening flight home. Before the flight, if we have time, we will be able to visit the world famous 'Carnivore' restaurant.

Day 9
We arrive back into the UK in the morning.