Mt. Kenya Climb – 7 Days – In Chogoria – Out Naro Moru Route
7 Days Mt. Kenya Climb,Pristine wilderness, lakes, tarns, glaciers and peaks of great beauty, geological variety, forest, mineral springs, rare and endangered species of animals, High altitude adapted plains game, Unique montane and alpine vegetation with 11 species of endemic plants.
Above 3,000m, cold (low temperatures) become a more important factor, tree stature declines, and Podocarpus is replaced by Hypericum spp. A more open canopy here results in a more developed understorey. Many of the trees are festooned with mosses. Grassy glades are common especially on ridges. High altitude heath between 3,000m and 3,500m is characterised by shrubs with small leaves like African sage, Protea and Helicrysum.
The lower alpine or moorland zone (3,400-3,800m) is characterized by high rainfall, a thick humus layer, low topographic diversity, and low species richness. Tussock grasses Festuca pilgeri, and sedges Carex spp. predominate. Between the tussocks there are Alchemilla cyclophylla, Alchemilla johnstonii, and Geranium vagans. Above the 3500m contour is the Afro-alpine zone, a moorland characterised by tussock grasses, senecios and lobelias.
Day 1:
Depart from Nairobi at 09:00hrs and proceed towards the cool slopes of Mt. Kenya. Cross the Equator and arrive at Nanyuki hotel in time for Lunch. Relax and enjoy the excellent facilities and magnificent scenery.
Day 2:
Morning spent sorting and organizing personal equipment for the mountain trek. After lunch we drive to Sirimon Gate and then to road head at 11,000 ft. An easy walk in the afternoon to help acclimatization. Overnight Judmaier camp. Here we spend the night in high altitude mountain tents.
Day 3:
After Break we ascend the Sirimon Track to Liki North Valley and spend the night camped in this beautiful little valley below subsidiary peaks of Teleki and Sendeyo, two ancient parasitic vents of the main peaks. Overnight stay in Liki North Valley,13,000 ft.
Day 4:
Climb out of the North Valley and in to the Mackinder’s valley, on the broadest valleys of Mt. Kenya. We camp at the head of the Mackinder.s Valley, just below the main peaks of Batian and Nelion. 14,000ft.
Day 5:
Make an alpine ascent of the third highest peak, point Lenana (16,355 ft). This route up the north face is little used by tourists. Four hours of stiff walking to the summit. Descend to the Teleki Valley on the opposite side of the main peaks, to Mackinders Camp. Overnight Teleki Valley (13,000 ft.)
Day 6:
Descend to the Met. Station (Road head) on the Naro Moru Track and then back to the hotel for meals and overnight.
Day 7:
After breakfast, leisurely drive back to Nairobi, arriving at around mid-day.