Itinerary
Depart from Nairobi early 0800hrs and be driven towards Mt. Kenya region which is rich in agricultural products up to Chogoria town for lunch. After lunch, we take 4x4 and drive up to the edge of the bamboo forest where we start our trekking through the dense bamboo forest for distance of 10 km up to the Mt Kenya Bandas.
After breakfast and sorting of porter loads we set off up the mountain at a nice and easy pace A slightly longer walk via Lake Ellis gives scenic views of Mugi,Ithanguni and the Giants Billiards Table, whilst if we follow the river near road head, upstream for about 3 km, the foreground scenery and flora is particularly beautiful.
Lunch on the banks of a stream, and then it's time to cut up the left hand hillside to our camp at about 3,600m, well away from any of the more "touristy" areas.
Similar early start. Again well off the beaten track to follow a ridge up the mountain for about 3 hours to eventually join the tourist track on the normal Chogoria route at an altitude of about 4,100m. Breathe taking views over the Gorges Valley and back over towards Ithanguni and the Northern Moorlands.
Lunch is served at a small stream crossing, before continuing for a further hour to the Mintos Hut area at 4200m and our night's rest.
Afternoon is spent relaxing at camp, though a 10 minute walk to the "Temple" is well worth the effort. This is a 150 meters vertical cliff that gets its name from the position visitors often adopt when peering over the edge - they look as if they are praying.
Pre-dawn start at 0300hrs from the Mintos camp and attempt the 3rd highest peak – Pt. Lenana, 4,985m to be on the top of the summit by sunrise for good view of the main peaks and mountain environs. On a clear day you can be able to see Uhuru peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro- a few minutes for celebration and photos. Then descend down on the Westside of the mountain through the Austrian hut, proceed down to Mackinder hut for breakfast and rest. Afternoon hike for 05 hours through the moorland to Met. Station camp for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast begin a 3 hours nice walk through the forest to Naromoru parkgate where you find vehicle waiting to transfer back to Nairobi or your next destination.
