Mount Kenya Trek - Circumnavigation

Ziara Safaris » Kenya » Mount Kenya Trek - Circumnavigation

From: $917 per person (5 days, 4 nights)

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Tour Highlights

Opportunity to see a spectacular African sunrise at 4,985m (16,354 feet)
Pass through everchanging landscapes - from boulders, moorlands and forest
Wildlife and bird watching opportunities enroute
Less strenuous than the 4 day trek, allowing time for acclimatisation
All transfers included
Flexible bookings - you choose the dates

Reaching the summit

The sense of wonder and achievement one feels whilst watching an awe-inspiring sunrise from 4985 metres simply cannot be matched. With this trek, you'll have plenty of time to acclimatise and take in Mount Kenya's flora and fauna, before reaching the glorious peak of Point Lenana.

The sheer size of Mount Kenya can indeed be intimidating, but this circumnavigation route is perfect for both inexperienced hikers and enthusiasts alike. With even more time to acclimatise than our 3-day trek, this route will take you through tall bamboo, rough heathers, grassy slopes, green forest, hard rocks and soft white snow, all the while presenting opportunities to spot birds and other wildlife. You'll see bizarre-looking plants, like the Giant Groundsel or the Ostrich Lobelia. You might spot a timid hyrax hiding behind a rock, or you might even see evidence of the big cats and other beasts that roam, particularly in the lower slopes.

You'll start off at the Sirimon Park Gate, at 2600 metres, before climbing through mountain forest and overnighting at the Old Moses Hut. The following day you'll ascend to the base of the highest peaks, where the terrain is more sparse but the views become ever more astounding, and then spend the next few days acclimatising on the peak circuit. You'll reach your chosen summit of Point Lenana on the fourth day, where you'll sit amongst the clouds to watch the sun rise over a new day in Kenya.

Sleeping on the mountainside

After such active days you'll need somewhere to sleep at night. The simple yet comfortable accommodation on offer will ensure you're well rested before tackling your next few thousand metres. All hut accommodation provides comfortable bunk beds as well as clean, well maintained kitchen and bathroom facilities. The Mackinder camp is a particular delight, close to the Mackinder Valley, where tall grasses are dotted with strange plants and huge boulders.

This private tour is completely customisable - you can change the duration, where you visit and the hotels you stay in - just let us know what you'd like to change when you get in touch with us.

Day 1: Nairobi - Old Moses Camp (3,300m)

Old Moses Hut

Lunch and Dinner

Transfer from Nairobi to base camp for lunch
Then on to Sirimon Park gate (2,600m)
Complete park entry formalities before relaxing with a picnic lunch. Begin a 3-4 hour hike through forest. Ascend 700m bypassing the bamboo, rosewood and heather zones to Old Moses camp
Dinner and overnight at Old Moses Camp (3,300m)

Day 2: Shiptons Camp (4,200m)

Shiptons Hut

Full Board

After an early breakfast commence a 6-7 hour trek to Shipton's camp
Today's journey takes you across hills, valleys and moorlands as you take in the strange plants and spot wild mountain-dwelling creatures
Picnic lunch to rest and gather your strength before continuing
Dinner and Overnight at Shipton's Camp (4,200m)
Total walking time is approximately 7 hours, during which you will gain 900m in altitude

Day 3: Mackinder's Camp (4,300m)

Mackinder's Camp

Full Board

Depart at 8am and ascend Hausberg Col (4,700m) then descend steeply to Hausberg Valley and Oblong Tarns before making a further steep ascent, crossing huge boulders via Two Tarn on the way to Mackinder's camp
Dinner and overnight at Mackinder's Camp (4,300m)

Day 4: Shipton's Camp (4,200m)

Shiptons Hut

Full Board

Leaving the camp at 3am you will hike up the steep scree slopes and glacier to Point Lenana (4,985m), the hikers summit
Watch the sun rise over the equator and take in the views of the surrounding peaks
Later descend to Shipton's camp (4,200m) for breakfast, then relax for the rest of the day
Dinner and overnight at Shipton's Camp (4,200m)

Day 5: Descent, then transfer to Nairobi

Breakfast and Lunch

Early breakfast before your 4-5 hour descent to Sirimon Road Head (2,600m)
Connect with our vehicles for a transfer back to base camp for a hot shower and lunch
Return to Nairobi by early evening

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Wildlife you might see

During your holiday you will have the chance to see the animals pictured below - unfortunately we can't guaruntee that you'll see all the animals, but hopefully the photos will give you an idea of what to look out for!