CLIMB AFRICA'S HIDDEN BEAUTY:
MOUNT KENYA
Mount Kenya is often considered the most striking and rugged mountain in East Africa. It’s summit is a triple crown of three jagged peaks, guarded on most sides by near vertical rock faces.
Our high point is Point Lenana, at 4,985m, which we’ll reach after four days of trekking.
During the trek we’ll pass through tropical woodland, moorland, rocky alpine terrain and bamboo forests. This variety of scenery, combined with sightings of monkeys, buffalo and possibly elephants, makes this a very special experience.
We will also be supported by a team of expert local mountain guides, and a small army of porters and cooks who will carry all of our equipment and prepare our meals. Our camping set up is second to none, with standing height tents, full size cot beds, pillows and sleeping bags. We also have hot shower tents, and a large private dining tent with tables and chairs. The cooks do a fantastic job at rustling up wholesome, quality meals to keep us nourished.
Our route is suitable for fit walkers with no climbing experience, and we won’t need to use ropes or crampons at any point, leaving us to enjoy the scenery without the burden of extra equipment.
This is a very special adventure which is far from the well worn trails of other mountains in the region.
THE ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive at Nairobi Airport and transfer to the hotel where the team will meet the Guides. A full trip briefing and gear check will be carried out. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 2: Sirimon Park Gate to Old Moses Camp (2,700m - 3,200m)
Early in the morning the team will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to the Sirimon Park gate (alt.2700m). After a picnic lunch, the team will start an acclimatization hike in the tropical woodland occasionally enjoying the sightings of monkeys, buffalos or possibly elephants. The team should arrive at Old Moses camp (alt.3200m) in the early evening.
Day 3: Old Moses Camp to Likki North Hut (3,200m - 3,993m)
After breakfast, the team will start the hike across moorland vegetation, enjoying the picturesque views of the Sirimon and Mackinders valleys, arriving at Likki North Hut in the early afternoon. Lunch at this camp and later take an acclimatization walk around the camp.
Day 4: Likki North Hut to Shipton's Camp ( 3,990m - 4,200m)
The team will start hiking up a steep slope towards Shipton’s camp (4,200m) arriving in time for lunch. The giant groundsels occurring along this route are some of the most spectacular sights on Mt Kenya. Afternoon walk to the Kami Hut and later get back to the camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Shipton's Camp to Summit to Met Station ( 4,200m - 4,985m - 3,050m)
At 0300hrs the team will be woken up by the camp crew and have some tea and biscuits. They will then start the attempt on the scree and rock to the summit; Point Lenana (alt.4985m), which is the highlight of our trip! After taking photos with the sunrise, descend slowly down to Mackinder’s Camp for breakfast. Then continue down the steep bog to the Met Station (alt.3050m). Afternoon resting, dinner and overnight at Met Station.
Day 6: Met Station to Naro Moru Gate and then back to Nairobi (3,050m - 2,400m)
At 0800hrs the team will depart the camp and walk through the bamboo forest to connect with the private transfer vehicle at the Naro Moru Gate. From here the team will head back to Nairobi for a well-deserved shower and celebratory dinner & drinks! Overnight Hotel/ transfer to airport for flights home.
Day 7: Transfer to Nairobi Airport or onwards to a safari for those who would like to book this as an extra.
Accommodation & Service
VIP Specification: With our VIP Specification the team will be sure to be staying in the best accommodation on the mountain. You will be sleeping in a large standing height tent (please see diagram below) with full size sleeping cot, 3 inch foam mattress, pillow and -18 celsius sleeping bag for the ultimate nights sleep. Private toilet and shower tents will also be provided.
A large mess tent is provided for dining and socialising which has comfortable backed chairs and large tables for enjoying the 3 course meals in comfort. Tea & Pressed coffee available.
Pre & Post climb accommodation :
We work with a number of beautiful lodges and hotels around Mount Kenya National Park to make sure that the experience is a high standard throughout the trip. Exact choices will depend on team size and availability.
Organisation & Leadership
Leadership and Support:
This expedition is highly supported by a team of mountain specialists. Monix Adventures has been organising and leading specialised expeditions for more than 5 years, and many of our local guides have hundreds of ascents to their name.
Rhys Jones:
Rhys is an experienced high altitude mountaineer and expedition leader. He has completed over 20 expeditions including ascents of the highest mountain on every continent and Mount Everest. He has previously climbed Mount Toubkal in Morocco and numerous mountains with Laura, and both completed a ski mountaineering expedition in Greenland in 2014. He has also led 8 Kilimanjaro climbs, and private Guided in Ecuador and the Himalayas.
Laura Jones:
Laura has been climbing for 5 years and has racked up an impressive list of challenges to date. She has previously climbed Kilimanjaro & Mount Toubkal on a number of occasions. She also completed a ski mountaineering expedition to Greenland in 2014, and the party made a successful ascent of the highest mountain in the Arctic Circle. Laura is currently running 7 marathons on 7 continents and ran the Mount Everest Marathon in May 2017.
