8 days

A good trek suited for nature lovers and photographers. In addition to wildlife, we’ll see beautiful landscapes including high volcanic peaks, dense forests, waterfalls, sprawling moorlands and weirdly eroded rocks and valleys. Aberdare Mountains and Mount Kenya are the two highest peaks in Kenya. Hiking in the cool and moist Aberdares is excellent preparation and acclimatization for the challenging climb on Mount Kenya.

Day 1: Nairobi-Aberdares

From Nairobi drive for 2-3 hours to the Aberdares National Park for game drives in the Salient where wildlife is both abundant and highly visible. The park is rich in alpine flora and fauna, and scenic features including magnificent waterfalls. We spend the night at Reedbuck campsite.

Accommodation: Camping in 3-man dome tents at Reedbuck Campsite

Meals: Lunch, dinner

Day 2: Satima Base

Follow the moorlands track on a 4-5 hour hike through giant heather vegetation, tussock grasses, open forest glades and rose wood trees. We will camp at the base of the Satima peak in readiness for our final climb up the majestic peak tomorrow. During the hike it’s possible to see wildlife such as buffalo, elephant, reedbuck, bushbuck etc.

Accommodation: Camping in 3-man dome tents

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3: Satima Peak-Naromoru/Mt Kenya

From the base of Le Satima peak, hike for 2-3 hours to Le Satima peak (4001m), the highest point of the Aberdare mountain range. On a clear day you can see Mt. Kenya and Mt. Kilimanjaro on the horizon and even Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru and the Daiga hills. Later descend to connect with the vehicle for transfer off the mountain to Wandare park gate for picnic lunch followed by transfer to Naromoru (Mt Kenya).

Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: Old Moses’ Camp

Transfer to Sirimon Park gate (2600m). After completion of park entry formalities, you begin a 3-4 hour hike through montane forest, with bamboo, rosewood and heather zones to Old Moses camp (3300m). The forest and bamboo are home to hundreds of buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks and a plethora of bird species.

Accommodation: Old Moses Camp is a wooden mountain cabin with dormitory-style decked beds with comfortable foam mattresses, a bed for each traveler. Each traveler is advised to carry his or her own sleeping bag.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5: Shipton’s Camp

After an early breakfast at 0700hrs, commence a 6-7 hours trek through the sprawling moorlands up to the Shipton’s hut (4200m). The hike provides opportunities for fascinating views of unique moorland plants and scenery but is also a test on your individual endurance. You gain good acclimatization as you cover an altitude range of 900m. Lunch stop is at a vantage point on the Mackinder valley.

Accommodation: Shiptons Camp is a wooden mountain cabin with dormitory-style decked beds and comfortable foam mattresses. There’s a bed for each traveler but bring your own sleeping bag.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6: Mackinder’s Camp

Departing at 0800hrs ascend the Hausberg col (4700m) then descend steeply to Hausberg valley and Oblong tarns before making a further steep ascent, crossing huge boulders via Two Tarn on the way to Mackinder’s camp (4,300m) which is located along the Naromoru route within the Teleki Valley.

Accommodation: Teleki Lodge, popularly known as Mackinders Camp, is a permanent dormitory-style structure, spacious enough for large groups and has decked beds with comfortable foam mattresses. Each traveler is advised to bring his or her own sleeping bag.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7: Chogoria

Start predawn climb up the summit at 0300 hrs, hiking for three hours up to Pt. Lenana (4,985m), the hikers’ summit, arriving there in time to watch the African sunrise. From Pt. Lenana you have good views of Pt. Nelion (5188m), Pt. Batian (5199m) and other surrounding peaks, and on a clear day the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro can be seen protruding from the sky over 340km to the south. From the summit descend to Mintos/Hall tarn campsite (4,300m) for breakfast then a 4-5 hour descent to Chogoria. The descent is gentle and it offers ample time to enjoy the gorgeous scenery of the Gorges valley, Vivienne falls, Nithi falls, mushroom rocks and an array of interesting mountain plants.

Accommodation: Kinondoni Lodge, popularly known as Chogoria bandas, is a collection of comfortable log cabins each with a bedroom, kitchen and hot showers.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8: Nairobi

After breakfast gradually descend through the Chogoria Forest to meet up with our oncoming vehicle for transfer to Nairobi.

Meals: Lunch and dinner

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