5 days Sirimon, Chogoria
This creative climb joins two of the most famous routes up Mt. Kenya, Sirimon and Chogoria, producing a remarkably diverse and spectacular trek. Sirimon coming off the west passes through the dry side of the mountain with its giant trees and rocky terrain, and the descent onto the Chogoria path is exactly different with its lush bamboo and highland
forests.
The final night time ascent of Lenana can be as difficult as any ascent in East Africa, but the rest of the trek is generally considered easier than either Kilimanjaro or the Ruwenzoris, and this is the most likely climb for actually seeing big game.
Day 1
Nairobi - Old Moses. After pick up drive to Nanyuki town crossing the equator en route to the Sirimon Park gate (2660m). From the gate, we trek up thro magnificent montane forest, bamboo and giant heather zone before reaching the high altitude moorland and our first hut (Old Moses camp) for dinner and overnight. This is a gentle trek that takes 3 - 4 hrs gaining an elevation of 680m.
Day 2
Old Moses - Shipton camp (4200m) Early morning start through Ontulili river up the spectacular mackinder's valley via Liki north ridge with picnic lunch en route arriving in Shipton camp in 7 hrs time. This camp is a surreal sghting below the towering peaks and glacier. Resident population is of Rock hyrax and sun birds. Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Day 3
For bghter acclimatization you can take a rest day at the Shipton camp. Short walks / day hikes are possible on the summit climb to Oblong and Hausberg tarns gaining an elevation of 370m before returning to the camp for lunch.
N.B: Climbing high and sleeping low is excellent for acclimatization - but you can do that almost as well toughing in the sun watching the eagles!
A view of Mt Kenya covered by some snow
Day 4
Shipton - Pt Lenana (4985m)- Mt Kenya Bandas lodge (2800m)Kick off at 3.am to reach pt Lenana in time for the sun rise.The climb starts on frozen scree and continues on a rocky track with some very minor scrambling. With a good Moon you barely need a torch. Without a Moon, then the pollution- free sky bangs on the ground giving you as good a view of the stars as almost anywhere on Earth, The climb takes 3 -4 hrs and to add to the exhilaration, Kilimanjaro is also visible from the horizon. Descend to Minto's hut for full breakfast. After a short rest descend further to Mt Kenya bandas lodge through the gorges valley for dinner &overnight. You can enjoy log fires, hot showers and bed at the lodge.
Day 5 After breakfast, descend on a broad track through bamboo and virgin rain forest to meet vehicles for transfer to Nairobi where we arrive late afternoon.
