7 Days Mount Kenya Climbing Timau – Chogoria Route
This rarely trodden route starts from the northwestern part of Mt Kenya. The climate and vegetation are savannah type, and as you hike, you will invariably see herds of zebra, eland, and gazelles on the lower part of the mountain.
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi / Nanyuki / Marania Camp (3700m)
Pick up from Nairobi, drive for 3 hours to Nanyuki, where we meet up with our crews for onward transfer to Timau. From the end of the forest line (3000m), we hike for 2-3 hours to Marania Camp (3700m). Overnight in tents.
Day 2: Marania / Majors Camp (4000m)
Early start for a 7-hour trek across gently rolling topography and savanna-type vegetation to Major’s Camp (4000m) for overnight in tents. Picnic lunch en route.
Day 3: Majors / Shipton Camp (4200m)
Today’s trek is mostly through the moors that are habitat for the giant lobelias, giant groundsels, and tussock grasses. Today’s a 5-hour hike and we spend the night at Shipton’s Camp where we may, for the first time, meet other trekkers.
Day 4: Shiptons / American Camp (4400m)
Breakfast and depart at 0800 Hrs for an acclimatisation hike on the summit circuit path via Hausberg col (4700m), Two Tarn (4500m), and down to American camp (4400m) for overnight. It is a trail that offers excellent views of all the major peaks from all angles.
Day 5: American / Pt. Lenana (4985M) / Mintos Camp (4300m)
Start predawn summit attempt at 0300 hrs, hiking for three hours up to Pt. Lenana (4,985m), the hikers’ summit, is 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 320km to the south. From the summit, descend to Mintos / Hall tarn campsite (4,300m) for breakfast, then relax for the rest of the day. Dinner and overnight at Mintos campsite.
Day 6: Mintos Camp / Meru Mt.Kenya Bandas (2950m)
After breakfast, begin a 5-6 hour descent to Chogoria Park gate (2950m). The descent is gentle, and it offers ample time to enjoy the gorgeous landmarks in the lower gorge valley, including Vivienne Falls, Nithi Falls, mushroom rocks, and an array of interesting mountain plants. Dinner and overnight at the bandas with a hot shower and fireplace.
Day 7: Chogoria Bandas / Nairobi
After breakfast, gradually descend through the Chogoria Forest for 10km to meet your 4WD jeep to Chogoria for lunch and later transfer back to Nairobi, arriving by 1600 hours, and drop off at the hotel or airport for departure.
Important Information
Safari Inclusions:
- Professional mountain guides, porters, and cooks
- All park fees, permits & camping fees
- Transfers to/from Nairobi
- All meals while on the mountain
- Full camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, dining tent, etc.)
- Accommodation in mountain huts and bandas, where specified
- Rescue and emergency support team
What to Bring:
- Sturdy trekking boots & warm layers (sub-zero temperatures at higher altitudes)
- Waterproof jacket & pants
- Sleeping bag rated for -10°C
- Trekking poles, headlamp, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Water bottles & purification tablets
- Personal first-aid kit & medications
- Camera to capture the scenery!
