mt. kenya trek & climb
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 One of the unique aspects about Kenya, the Mountain, is that it has such a radically diverse ecosystem on opposite sides. The southeast side is lush and includes significant rain forest. The northwest side is almost a desert. The one side is peppered with giant gnarled trees and rocky terrain, and the other is thickly forested and includes bamboo. So while this climb does ascend the famous Lenana spire to its top at 16,355', this creative program joins two of the most famous routes, Sirimon and Chogoria, producing a remarkably diverse and spectacular trek. The night time ascent of Lenana can be as difficult as any ascent in East Africa, but the rest of the trek is really more of an alpine hike. And as a real bonus, this mountain trek is the most likely of any in East Africa to actually encounter big game on the way.
Contact EWT for the best international air fares and for recommendations on how to use your frequent flyer miles. Day 1: MT. KENYA
The program begins with a private transfer from Nairobi to Nanyuki, the town adjacent Mt. Kenya. This is a drive of about 3 hours from the north side of Nairobi city. You'll arrive the famous Fairmont resort, the Mt. Kenya Safari Club in time for lunch. The afternoon is free with a wide range of resort activities available, and at the end of the afternoon you'll be joined by your Climb's Guide for a briefing. Dinner and overnight at the resort. [ -l-d]
Day 2: OLD MOSES
After breakfast you transfer to the Sirimon Gate, a drive of less than an hour from the club. The day's trek is a short 9km and ends at Old Moses Camp (3300m). This is a lovely walk through lush highland rainforest, featuring the magnificent giant cedar and podocarpus trees. Large mammals can be seen on any day, with elephant and buffalo generally encountered by about half the climbers. Meals and overnight in camp. [b-l-d]
Day 3: SHIPTON'S CAMP
Considerable altitude is gained today, and most trekkers can manage this part of the climb in 5-6 hours. The first part of the climb is up a steep ridge before descending into the Mackinders Valley. There are some beautiful views as you leave the vegetation zone and enter tundra, with many lobelias. Meals and overnight at Shipton's Camp (4200m). [b-l-d]
Day 4: SHIPTON'S CAMP
An important day of acclimatization, today, with a sojourn to the spectacular Kami Hut at 4350m, with many lovely alpine lakes and pools, and jutting rock formations. Return to Shipton's Camp for overnight. (4200m). [b-l-d]
Day 5: LENANA SUMMIT
A middle-of-the-night ascent to arrive at Point Lenana (4985m) before sunrise. Most climbers make the summit just before sunrise following a three-hour ascent that begins around 3 a.m. On a clear day, one can see Mt. Kilimanjaro to the south, Mt. Elgon to the west and the Indian Ocean to the East. Before the wind begins shortly after sunrise, the descent begins to Minos Hut for breakfast, and then to the Chogoria Bandas for dinner and overnight. [b-l-d]
Day 6: NAIROBI
The morning's 16k trek to the park gate is through a marvellous, thick and towering bamboo forest, an indication of the wet side of the mountain. Other vegetation differs as well, including massive stands of St. John's Wort. Meet your vehicle in time for lunch, before an afternoon return to Nairobi, arriving late. Overnight at the legendary Norfolk Hotel. [b-l- ]
Day 7: DEPARTURE
You will be privately transferred to the airport for your departure. [b- - ]
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