This is the year of experiencing mountain differently, we seek to reach the summits but we also commit to being aware of every moment on the way… we call it connection with self and nature, a beautiful journey up this snow-capped mountain of East Africa right at the Equator.

Mt. Kenya is one of the places every human should visit at least once in a lifetime. It offers a wholesome experience of fun, connection and self-discovery; so come with us and create your memories..and live to tell your mountain story!

Below is a brief description of the route…

Itinerary

Day 1: Chogoria Forest gate (2650M ASl) -Mount Meru Bandas Camp (2950m ASl) – 3hrs, 6km walk, 300m ascent

Meet at the parking lot opposite international life House and set out for Chogoria.  At Chogoria an early lunch will be waiting, we enjoy as we chat with our contact team at the base of the mountain. After lunch, take a transfer vehicle to the forest clearance, then 6km up from where the walk starts. The walk through the bamboo forest along the dirt road is relaxing and after 3 hours we reach the camp (2950m)at around 4 pm. We set up our camp at the gate where we will enjoy excellent views of the mountain. If weather allows we will take a walk around the Bandas and we are likely to spot Buffalos, bushbucks and varied bird species. The walk also allows for beautiful views of Mugi and Ithanguni Hills. Later in the evening dinner is served. At night the clearance at the gate also allows for star gazing. A good camera is recommended to capture the moments.

Day 2: Meru Bandas Camp (2950m Asl)- Lake Ellis Camp (3,450) via Nithi Falls-5 hrs, 9km, 500m ascent

After breakfast we start our day the through Hargenia forest and tussock grass. We cross a stream before passing a fisheries station on the right but still under the beautiful Hargenia trees. After an hour moderate walk we exit the forest and into the moorland, the Road End camp is an hour or so. Along the trails, we enjoy views of Mugi Hill and the Giant Billiard Table. At the Road end camp we stop to grab some snack and then continue down to the magical Nithi falls, we have our moments at the base as we enjoy the drop of every drop. Later we go up and branch to the left to view the caves and a beautiful water cascade another Nithi river tributary.
We later head back to Road End camp and on deep into the moorland. After an hour and half we are in view of the beautiful lake Ellis. The Hindu Valley forms a beautiful background for the lake and an amazing reflection carved on the lake in blue and green. Pure magic!!. We settle in and have lunch. Later in the afternoon, we can try our luck at fishing and those still with energies are welcome to summit Mugi Hill. .. the views at the summit of Mugi Hills are to die for, the main peaks are in full view, Ithanguni is much closer and inviting..the sunset will be awesome here but you may find yourself running back to Lake Ellis because its magical.. By the lake, we have dinner and take rest.

Day 3: Lake Ellis Camp (3450M Asl) to Mintos Camp (4200m Asl)- 6 hrs, 11km

Its a beautiful morning by the lake, be sure to wake up early to catch the sunrise, as the first light hits the undisturbed waters except for trouts in their wake to feed. After breakfast, we follow the track through heather and the golden moorland. After 30 minutes we get to one of the streams that drain into the Nithi falls, we can refill our water bottles here as we take our first water break. From here its an uphill task emerging from the valley and behind us bidding Lake Ellis goodbye. After 2-3 hrs up we get to the intersection of the traditional Chogoria route and our path. This will be our Lunch break point. As we enjoy our lunch we now also from this point have a glimpse of Lake Michaelson.

After lunch and some good rest, we start again following the main trail up Mintos Camp and then branch off to the left after 20 minutes. From this point it’s a gentle uphill to the Camp. From the camp if the mountain is not shy reveals the two main peaks Lenana and Batian. In the afternoon if our energies are still up we can take a walk to Mintos Tarn and also down to the Temple- beautiful rock formation 20 minutes down the camp. Later in the evening early dinner is served and we retire to our tents for a good rest and prepare for an early morning summit.

Day 4: Mintos/Point Lenana/Old Moses – 11-12 hrs, 23km, 1685m descent

We break camp at 2am towards the main peaks, after an hour above a flat marshy area at the end of the valley known as temple fields, we start our push up to the 3rd highest point in Kenya, arriving at point Lenana at 6:00am to witness if we are lucky the spectacle that is the sun piercing planet earth, a mother of all sunrises. After taking photographs and taking in all the beauty, we descend to Shipton Camp for breakfast and continue down to Old Moses Camp at 3300m. From here join our transport back to Nairobi.

For reservations, please pay a non-refundable deposit of KES 20,000 per person via Mpesa paybill no 5211729 Account MTKENYA by 30th November 2023 and the balance by 8th December 2023 or bank transfer to NCBA Bank Hikemaniak Limited A/C 3756860027 (USD) Swift Code CBAFKENX Kenyatta Avenue Branch.

Cancellation Policy
If you cancel more than 2 weeks before your scheduled trip departure, a 50% of the fee will be charged.
If you cancel within 48 hours of your scheduled trip departure, no refund fees will be provided.
No shows are responsible for 100% of trip fees.
For more information and full cost details kindly reach is on email; hike@hikemaniak.co.ke or on mobile call/whatsapp +254721510057