6 Days 5 Nights Scenic Summit Circuit Friends Holiday Package

Mountain Rock Lodge 3

Those not flying with the group from London will either need to meet the tour leader at the airport at 06.30h or will be picked up en-route to the airport at 06.00h from the pre tour hotel we use and will join the rest of the group at the airport. (Times are subject to change depending on group flight times - see final joining instructions). From the airport we drive to Mountain Rock Lodge, around a 4-hour drive in time for lunch. This afternoon we walk to Mau Mau caves in Mount Kenya Forest Reserve. These caves used to be the hideout by local freedom fighters that fought for independence in the colonial period. This is a pleasant walk through the tall towering trees. The forest reserve is home to a wealth of birdlife, game and plants, with at least 11 unique species on the lower slopes of Mount Kenya. You may see Colobus monkeys up in the trees and elephants and buffalo through the clearings.

Giant Bamboo Camp 3

We are initially transferred to Gathiuru Forest Station 15kms away (approx 1 hour), before entering the dense forest with its towering bamboo. We trek through forest and bamboo, gaining around 400m in altitude. This hiking is essential for acclimatisation. On the lower slopes of Mount Kenya there is a wide range of vegetation and fauna. Look out for tracks from various game as we walk through a variety of vegetation including huge podocarpus and pencil cedar trees. In the forest brightly coloured birds such as Scarlet winged turacos can be seen and heard, as well as different types of monkeys. (2600m) Approx 4-5 hours walking.

Highland Castle Camp 3

We get up early this morning to trek to Highland Castle Camp. We hike over steep ground where the bamboo gives way to the to hagenia rose wood zone (2850-3100m), and we then climb higher through the Giant Heather zone (3100m-3300m). Our camp is located close to the sheer lava cliffs. We cross high altitude moorland, dotted with the unique Giant Lobelia and Senecio plants. We gain a further 1100m in altitude in the course of the day. There is little game as we reach this point, but look out for the elusive high altitude zebras and eland, and the more commonly spotted rock hyrax and sunbirds. Burguret Valley offers spectacular views of the two highest and technical peaks of Baitan and Nelion, a thoroughly rewarding day. (3700m) Approx 5-6 hours walking.

Shipton/’s Camp 3

Today we ascend up to Hausberg Col. We pass spectacular moorland landscapes and it is not unusual to spot eagles and buzzards circling overhead as we ascend to Hausberg Col at 4600m, after connecting the summit circuit trail to descend to Shipton/’s Camp (one of the few permanent camps on the mountain). The camp is the first time where we are likely to come across other trekkers on the mountain and has panoramic views of all the main peaks including Terere and Sendeyo, two old parasitic vents of the main peaks. Climbing high and sleeping low is excellent for acclimitisation and the benefits of today’s ascent and descent is great preparation.(4236 m) Approx 7 - 8 hours walking.

Shipton/’s Camp 3

We rise very early this morning before dawn with the aim of arriving at Point Lenana for sunrise. We zig-zag up a large scree slope before we make the final short ascent, which involves some scrambling to Point Lenana at 4985m. If the moon is bright you will hardly need a torch. The climb takes between 3 - 4 hours. Watching the sunrise over the Kenyan plains is a truly amazing experience. We later descend back to Shipton’s Camp for breakfast then relax our tired legs for the rest of the day. Shipton’s Camp at 4,236m is a dreamlike setting below the towering peaks of Batian Sendeyo and Terere, with its resident population of bizarre rock hyrax and beautiful sunbirdsApprox. 6 hours walking.

We descend down Mount Kenya up to Old Moses Camp at (3340m) in 4 hours before a short drive to a much needed shower and beer! En route we cross the equator and stop to enjoy lunch at the foot of the mountain. We then drive on to Nairobi airport for the evening departure.Approx. 4 hours walking.