Trekking on Mount Kenya

Pulling up to the top of Mount Kenya is an African experience to say the least beyond the ordinary. The road from the tropical lowlands to a snow-capped mountain peak is truly as varied as a magnificent trip. Visit cancermatters for more about Kenya.

Trekking on Mount Kenya
A trek on Mount Kenya is an absolute highlight of any African trip and anyone who is in decent physical shape and has the right will can take on the mountain, whose highest point is 4986 meters. This five-day trek takes you up to the top of Mount Kenya via the Sirimon route and back down via the Chogoria route, all for an optimal experience and some of the most beautiful views you can just see on this entire earth.

Information about Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya is Kenya’s highest and Africa’s second highest mountain and also home to the Ngai, the highest deity in the religion of the Maasai, Kikuyu and Kamba religions. The mountain is located at the equator but still has snow on top and was originally a volcano. The peaks are Batian (5199 m), Nelion (5188 m) and Lenana (4986 m). Over the years, ash and lava have eroded away and left the current edged silhouette. Mount Kenya is an alpine zone in the middle of tropical Africa, which means that flora and wildlife are truly unique and varied. At or on Mount Kenya you can see 35 plant species that do not grow anywhere else in the world except here. On the lower slopes live elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, monkeys and many other wild animals. It is also said that there are leopards in the area.

Difficulty: Moderate – tough
There is no direct climbing involved in the ascent but there is a glacier to cross. You have to be ready for some challenging terrain and tricky passages the last bit towards the top. The highest point is Lenana at 4986 meters.

Day 1: Departure from Scandinavia

Departure from Scandinavia to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, where you will arrive the next day. Depending on the airline, there will be 1-2 stops on the way.

Day 2: Arrival in Nairobi

In Nairobi you will be picked up at the airport by our driver and driven to Wildebeest Eco Camp. The rest of the day is at your disposal.

Day 3: The best of Nairobi

After breakfast you will be picked up for an excursion around Nairobi and you will visit the following places: Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage: You will visit Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, home of orphaned elephant children preparing to return to nature. All elephants have their own individual “development plan” for how they can best be trained to be reintroduced into nature and no elephants will remain in the orphanage. Depending on the age of the baby elephant, it can take anywhere from one to ten years. Giraffe Center: The day also includes a visit to the AFEW (African Fund for Endangered Wildlife) Giraffe Center to see the center’s Rothschild giraffes, which are an endangered breed in Kenya. Today, Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the few places where they can be experienced outdoors. Rothschild giraffes are known for their long white “socks” which goes all the way to the knees as opposed to the Massage giraffes, which only have white “ankle socks”. The center also offers an informative exhibition on giraffes and here is a nice little cafe. Local English speaking guide included. Kazuri Jewelry and Ceramics Workshop: You will also have a visit to the Kazuri Jewelry and Pottery Workshop. The Kazuri project started in 1975 and helped single mothers support themselves and their children. The women hand-painted jewelry and ceramics and sold them. The project has now become so popular that over 200 women are employed and their goods are sold all over the world. Everything is done by hand and it is incredibly exciting to experience the women’s skills. Local English speaking guide included. Karen Blixen’s house: The excursion ends at Karen Blixen’s African house 20 km west of Nairobi – one of the capital’s main attractions. The Baroness’s home was converted into a museum in 1985 due to the film adaptation of the now famous film “My Africa” starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford. to go for a walk in the beautiful park overlooking the Ngong Hills. ( There will be time to take a walk in the beautiful park overlooking the Ngong Hills. ( There will be time to take a walk in the beautiful park overlooking the Ngong Hills. (F )

Day 4: Nairobi – Old Moses Lodge

Departure from Nairobi in the morning. From Nairobi we drive to the city of Nanyuki which is located right by the equator. Here we take a short break and have lunch before driving on towards Sirimon Gate, the entrance to Mount Kenya National Park. From here, the trek begins with about three or four hours of hiking to Old Moses Hut, where we spend the night at 3300 meters altitude. The landscape is very varied with cedar, rose and olive trees as well as dense bamboo forest. It is possible to see many wild animals such as elephants, rhinos, baboons, monkeys, buffaloes, zebras and gazelles. ( F , L , M )

Day 5: Trekking at Old Moses Lodge

After an early breakfast, we start the day’s hike by making our way through a beautiful landscape of plains and valleys. On clear days, the hike offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountain peaks. We return to Old Moses Hut to spend the night. The evening is on its own, so you can take a little walk for yourself, relax or read a good book. ( F , L , M )

Day 6: Trek at Shipton Camp

After breakfast we start the day’s hike to Shipton Camp. Today’s route goes through fantastic valleys where we may be lucky to see the elephants’ smallest and closest relative: the hyrax, also called the rock badger. We have lunch on the way and arrive at Shipton Camp, 4200 meters above sea level, around late afternoon. ( F , L , M )

Day 7: Trek at Shipton Camp

We spend the day with acclimatization. The tour goes to the Hauseberg River with great views before returning to Shipton for dinner and overnight. ( F , L , M )

Day 8: Trek to the top of Mount Kenya

This is the day of the power test and we start already at 3 o’clock at night while it is still dark. The goal is to reach the summit around 6.30 – in time to enjoy the spectacular view of the sunrise from the summit of Mount Kenya. An absolutely fantastic and unforgettable experience. After sunrise we go down to Mintos Hut for breakfast. After that, the day’s destination is Bandas, where we have dinner and spend the night. ( F , L , M )

Day 9: Chogoria – Nairobi

On the last day of the tour, we hike along the Chogoria route through the lush forests to the town of Chogoria. After lunch here we drive back to Nairobi, where we arrive late afternoon. ( F , L )

Day 10: Departure from Nairobi

The day is on its own. You will be picked up at Wildebeest Eco Camp and driven to Nairobi Airport. The time depends on your flight abroad. ( F )

Day 11: Arrival in Scandinavia