Embark on an exhilarating 4-day easy hiking through the rugged terrain and breathtaking landscapes of Mount Kenya. This unforgettable journey will take you from the lush foothills to the awe-inspiring summit, offering an immersive experience in one of Africa's most iconic and diverse mountain environments. Get ready to trek through alpine forests, traverse alpine desert landscapes, and conquer the third-highest peak, Point Lenana. Each day promises discoveries and stunning vistas, making this expedition an unmissable opportunity for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Day 1: Sirimon Gate to Old Moses Camp
We'll start our trek at Sirimon Gate, the point of entry to Mount Kenya National Park. The trail ascends through the montane forest, offering glimpses of diverse bird species and wildlife. The hike to Old Moses Camp at 3,300 meters takes us through a beautiful landscape of giant heather and lobelia, with the possibility of encountering mountain buffaloes and elephants. The distance covered on the first day is approximately 9 kilometers, with varying terrain and stunning panoramic views.
Day 2: Old Moses Camp to Shipton's Camp
Continuing our journey, we'll leave the moorlands behind and ascend through the expansive and scenic Likii and Mackinder's Valleys. This section of the trek exposes us to the unique alpine desert environment, characterized by rocky outcrops and sparse vegetation. As we ascend to 4,200 meters, the landscape transforms, offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys. We'll cover a distance of around 14 kilometers on this day, as we make our way to Shipton's Camp, our overnight stop.
Day 3: Shipton's Camp to Point Lenana
Today marks the highlight of our trek, as we embark on the pre-dawn ascent to Point Lenana, standing at 4,985 meters. The trail takes us through the high-altitude moorlands and the Hausberg Col, where we'll be rewarded with extraordinary views of the Gorges Valley and the Lewis Glacier. The final stretch to Point Lenana involves negotiating rocky scree and steep sections, culminating in the exhilarating moment of reaching the summit. After celebrating our achievement, we'll descend to Mintos Hut, situated at lower elevation, covering a distance of approximately 11 kilometers.
Day 4: Point Lenana to Chogoria Gate
Our final day of trekking takes us on a picturesque descent through the Gorges Valley, a dramatic landscape of sheer cliffs and pristine wilderness. As we join the Chogoria route, the trail leads us through stands of bamboo and striking moorlands, providing a contrasting and captivating finale to our expedition. The journey concludes at the Chogoria Gate, where we'll transfer back to Nairobi, reminiscing about the unforgettable experiences and indelible memories created during our exploration of Mount Kenya.