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Kenya Trekking
African trekking and safaris are a specialty at Footloose. In
Kenya we arrange a wide range of treks on well-known mountains such
as Mount Kenya. Elgon and the Aberdares, and safaris to the famous
wildlife reserves of Masai Mara, Samburu, Nakuru and Amboseli.
Most walkers and trekkers come to Kenya for Mount Kenya, the highest
mountain in the country and the second highest in the whole continent
of Africa. The are several outstanding trekking routes across the
massif, starting from the forested hills at its base and leading
to the top of the spectacular jagged snow-capped summit. The walking
and the scenery are in every way better than its neighbour Kilimanjaro,
and, being second highest, is much quieter.
The two highest points, Batian and Nelion, can only be reached by
rock climbing, and so most people make for the third highest point,
Lenana, which is a non-technical walk.
Routes
Mount Kenya is surrounded by a zone of dense forest, so to reach
the higher slopes and main peaks you have to follow an established
route. Three routes are described inside to give you an idea of
what's available.
The Sirimon Route is the most scenic route on the mountain, passing
through the complete range of landscape and vegetation types. The
ascent is longer and more gradual and it is usually quieter than
the Naru Moro Route. A trek on this route can take three days although
at
least an extra night is recommended to help acclimatization.
Other Routes - the main other route is the Chogoria on the east
side of the mountain. This is steep on ascent and is usually used
for descent.
Rock Routes
There are many rock climbing routes of all grades on the mountain,
including the ascent of the main peaks. This requires climbing to
a standard of grade IV / severe. Footloose can arrange fully qualified
guides for parties wishing to climb these, or provide full support
for independent groups
SIRIMON - CHOGORIA TRAVERSE
This route is the gentlest ascent track on the mountain, comfortable
huts and 200m - it's also the most spectacular. Passing up through
montane forest, bamboo and heather zones we follow the Mackinder
Valley with its amazing vegetation of giant groundsel and lobelias.
The 3 million year old volcano has been eroded by ice and glaciers
to produce spectacular chasms, jagged peaks and the "U"
shaped valleys and waterfalls of geography textbooks.
Day 1 Drive from Nairobi to our hotel on the western slopes of Mt
Kenya for lunch. A short drive, crossing the equator en-route, takes
you to the Sirimon Park Gate. Trek up through magnificent virgin
forests, bamboo and giant heather zones before reaching the high
altitude moorland and our first hut, "Old Moses" at 3,340m.
This first day's gentle trek takes 3-4 hours and climbs 690m.
Day 2 Up the spectacular Mackinder Valley past strange giant groundsel
and lobelia plants to emerge into a higher valley. Shipton's Camp
is here at 4,236m. Walking time is around 7 hours. This surreal
setting below the towering peaks and glaciers, with its resident
population of bizarre rock hyrax, is our base for the night.
Day 3 Early start to reach Pt Lenana at 4,895m for sunrise. 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, bang on the equator,
gives you as good a view of the stars as almost anywhere on Earth.
The climb takes between 3 and 5 hours and to add to the exhilaration,
Kilimanjaro is usually visible on the horizon. A further 3 hours
down to camp by Hall Tarns in the magnificent Gorges Valley.
Day 4 Long and gentle descent down the Gorges Valley past spectacular
chasms, waterfalls and weirdly eroded lava flows to hot showers
and log fires in Mt. Kenya Lodge. About 6 hours walking. Wildlife
viewing in evening - often from your cabin window as the elephant
and buffalo graze outside!
Day 5 Descend on a broad track through bamboo and virgin rain forest
to meet vehicles for the return to Nairobi - usually arriving mid
to late afternoon.
LIKII NORTH ROUTE
This route is an easier paced version of the Sirimon which avoids
the long day from Old Moses to Shiptons. There is no hut at Likii
so camping is arranged.
Day 1: Drive from Nairobi to the base hotel in time for lunch. Afternoon
options include walks in the forest, riding or fishing.
Day 2: Leave the hotel to be transferred to Sirimon Park gate.
From here, walk through montane forest, bamboo and rosewood up to
the Old Moses Hut, gaining an elevation range of 700m in 3-4 hours.
Day 3: Gradual walk through the savannah, avoiding the normal direct
trail leading to Shiptons and following the one that goes up to
Likii North (3990m), where you spend the night in a tent. Hiking
time is about 4 hours, gaining 700m in altitude. There will be ample
time this afternoon to recuperate or walk around the beautiful Likii
valley for more acclimatization
Day 4: Emerging from Likii valley, you can join to the normal route
from the old Moses camp. You climb and pass over a ridge to enter
into the picturesque Mackinder Valley where you arrive at Shiptons
camp for hot lunch after a 4 hour trek
Day 5: Leave the camp at 0300hrs and hike up the steep scree slopes
and across rocks up to Point Lenana (4985m), the hikers' summit,
gaining 785m in altitude in 4 hours. Later descend back to Shiptons
camp for breakfast then relax for the rest of the day
Day 6: Descend to Sirimon Park gate to connect with a transfer
vehicle for the base hotel for a hot shower. The rest of the afternoon
at leisure.
An additional rest day is recommended at Shiptons for hikers who
wish to acclimatise more or recuperate better before attempting
the summit. This day would be spent walking from the camp to a high
viewpoint.
SIRIMON - NARO MORU CROSSOVER
this is the most common traverse on Mt. Kenya. Unless preferred,
camping is not necessary as accommodation is available in mountain
huts throughout the trip. Although the trip offers reasonably good
chances of reaching the summit, those who may not manage the challenge
can cross over via the easier summit circuit trail and join up withyour
group at the Mackinder's Camp.
Day 1: Morning transfer from Nairobi, arriving at the hotel for
lunch. Then drive to Sirimon Park gate (2600m). On completion of
park entry formalities, begin a 3-4 hour hike through forest. Ascend
700m through the bamboo, rosewood and heather zones to Old Moses
camp. The forest and bamboo are home to hundreds of buffaloes, elephants,
bushbucks and a plethora of bird species. Dinner and overnight at
Old Moses Camp (3300m)
Day 2: A long day leading to the base of the high peaks. Today's
trek is largely through the moor lands and the Mackinder Valley,
with good views of the main peaks and a brief stopover for picnic
lunch. Total walking time is approx. 7 hours gaining 900m in altitude.
Dinner and Overnight at Shipton's Hut (4200m)
Day 3: Pre-dawn attempt of the summit starts at 0300hrs and you
hike for about 3 hours up steep scree slopes and across rugged rocks
up to Pt. Lenana (4985m), the hikers' summit. Then down through
Lewis Glacier up to the Austrian hut to join to the Naromoru track
and descend for 2 hours to Mackinder's camp for breakfast then have
the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight at Mackinder's
Camp (4300m)
Day 4: Leaving early, you gradually descend for 4-5 hours through
the moor lands and the lower vertical bog up to the Met Station,
from where you walk down on a wide dirt road leading to the Naromoru
Park gate (2600m) where you meet our vehicle. You are then transferred
back to Mountain Rock Lodge for a hot shower and lunch then back
to Nairobi
Accommodation on the routes is in comfortable huts with beds in
several dormitories. They are basic, but have running water, mattresses
and toilets. Some of the routes have a night camping, particular
the Likii route. The campsites have a cooking hut and toilet, and
all equipment is provided.
Acclimatisation is extremely important, both to let you enjoy your
ascent but more importantly to avoid any serious complications.
The route is planned to optimize the height gain, but you may still
get a headache or feel nauseous. There are two important preventative
measures: to drink copiously, even when it is really difficult,
and to walk very slowly, avoiding as far as possible increased heart
and breathing rates. A drug is available, Diamox, from your GP which
is well proven to help with acclimatization. It is important to
remember that one possible effect of altitude is light-headedness
and odd behavior, which can lead to foolish decisions.
Food and kitchen equipment will be carried by the porters and cooked
by an experienced cook. It will be plentiful and wholesome, but
may be limited by the circumstances. Your own supply of chocolate
and high-energy snacks is a good idea.
Water is available at several points and should be purified before
drinking. All water in camp will be boiled and some provided for
drinking the next day. A comforting tip is to fill your bottle in
the evening with boiled water for the next day, and to use it as
a hot water bottle overnight. Check with your guide where the water
points are.
Toilets are available at all camps and huts. Some camps have several
and so it's worth checking for the cleanest. If you are caught short
during the walk, please find a spot as far as possible from the
trail and any water. Bury your faeces and paper. It is often easiest
to move a large rock and use the indent as a hole. Mark your spot
by balancing a couple of stones.
Itineraries shown are the minimum number of days and do not give
good acclimatisation. If you have come from another high trek you
should be able to reach the summit, but if you have just arrived
it is strongly advised that you add at least another day. The recommendation
is to spend two nights at Shiptons, and / or a night at Liki North.
If you have time we also recommend spending a night at the base
hotel before you start - to leave Nairobi in the morning and sleep
at a high mountain hut that evening is quite a rushed day!
Prices
There are two ways to travel to Kenya- in an organized group on
a fixed departure or on a trip tailor- made for you. Most people
find that a tailor-made trip is more suitable as it's about the
same price and you decide the date and itinerary.
Footloose is also agent for many trekking companies and can book
you on to fixed date group. This is the best way if you are traveling
by yourself or prefer the sociability of a group.
Tailor made trips can depart on any day based on a minimum of two,
but there are substantial reductions for larger groups.
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