Sirimon Chogoria 6 Day Traverse (KEN-SC6)

WHY THIS ITINERARY?

Mt Kenya has 3 main peaks – Batian, Nelion and Lenana. The first 2 peaks are technical climbs whilst Lenana is a non-technical hiking option. This itinerary takes you to the summit of Lenana and in doing so allows you to see the best of Mt Kenya by having a peak circumnavigation.

DESCRIPTION

A 6 day ascent of Point Lenana starting at Sirimon gate and ending at Chogoria. A camp is provided throughout with a great crew and porters led by our excellent guides.

HIGHLIGHTS

All the best parts of Mt Kenya, stunning views of the peaks, tarns and fantastic endemic flora. A chance of seeing some wildlife and arguably the prettiest high altitude hike in East Africa.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - MT KENYA OLD MOSES

Depart your hotel after breakfast and drive to Nanyuki. From here it is around 15km to the Sirimon park gate (2700m). Picnic lunch will be served at the gate. After signing in with the park officials we will start an acclimatization hike which will see us walking in the tropical forest, occasionally enjoying the sighting of a monkey, a buffalo or even an elephant arriving at Old Moses (Judmaier) camp (3200m) late evening.

DAY 2 - MT KENYA LIKKI NORTH

After breakfast, we start the hike of the moorland vegetation walking through the picturesque views of the Sirimon and the Mackinders valleys arriving at Likki North Hut in the early afternoon. Lunch at this camp and later take an acclimatization walk around the camp.

DAY 3 - MT KENYA SHIPTON'S

Start the hike of the steep slope towards Shipton’s camp (4200m) arriving in time for lunch. The giant groundsels occurring along this route are some of the spectacular views on Mt Kenya. Afternoon walk to the Kami Hut and later get back to the camp for dinner and overnight.

DAY 4 - MT KENYA AUSTRIAN HUT

Depart Shipton’s after breakfast and make peak-circuit navigation to Austrian Hut (4790m). On the way enjoy the views of the Simba col; and the Lewis glacier arriving at the Top hut in time for a hot lunch. Afternoon at leisure, dinner and overnight at the camp.

DAY 5 - MT KENYA MERU MOUNT KENYA LODGE

At 04.30 hrs, wake up and have some tea and biscuits. Start the attempt of the summit peak (Point Lenana, alt 4985m) which is the highlight of our trip! Take photos with the African sunrise and its also possible to see Mt Kilimanjaro to the West if the weather is clear. Descend down to Mintos camp (4100m), where we will have some breakfast. You have a picnic lunch on trail. Then descend further down to Meru Mt.Kenya Lodge (2700m) where we will spend the night.

DAY 6 - MT KENYA OUT

Depart the lodge after breakfast and walk through the spectacular bamboo forest to connect with the 4x4 vehicle to Chogoria town and on to Nairobi for a well-deserved shower!