Detailed Itinerary

  • Day 1: Giant Bamboo Camp – 2,600m

    Transfer to Mountain Rock lodge (200kms /3.5hrs) Transfer to Gathiuru Forest approx. 15kms / 1hr. Trek to Giant Bamboo camp 10kms / 4h). Ascent: +740m.Drive from Nairobi northwards past farmlands to the base of Mount Kenya arriving at our lodge – Mountain Rock Lodge in time for lunch.

    Then briefing and equipment check drive to Gathiuru Forest Station (2000m). From here it is a long but thrilling walk through dense forest and towering bamboo to our own Giant Bamboo camp. In the forest there are many species of brightly coloured birds such as the scarlet winged turacos and different species of monkeys. Elephant and buffalo are also common sightings.

  • Day 2: Highland Castle – 3,700m

    Trek to Highland Castle, approx.10kms / 5-6h. Ascent: +1,100m. The bamboo give way to enormous podocarpus and pencil cedar forest and as we climb higher we pass through the Hygenia or Hypercium zone also know as the rosewood zone (generally found at 2850-3000m). We spend the night close to the sheer lava cliffs of the “Highland Castle”.

  • Day 3: Shipton's Camp – 4,236m

    Trek to via Hausberg col (4,600m) to Shipton’s Camp (approx. 10kms / 5-6h). Ascent: +900m. Trek to the base of the high peaks then take summit circuit trail in the clockwise direction, with amazing views of the jagged volcanic peaks and glaciers. Our target is to get to Shipton’s Mountain Hut/Camp located in the Mackinder’s valley. From the camp we have a panoramic view of all the main peaks including Terere and Sendeyo two ancient parasitic vents of the main peaks. Climbing high (Hausberg Col) and sleeping low (Shipton’s) is excellent for acclimatisation.

  • Day 4: Summit – 4,985m / OldMoses Camp – 3,340m

    Trek via Pt. Lenana to Oldmoses Camp. Approx. 20Kms/9hrs. Ascent: 749m to the summit / Descent: -1645m to Oldmoses Camp.  Just before dawn we are woken by our guides and hot tea is served before we begin the last leg of our trek to the summit. The trek begins beneath the stars as we zigzag our way up a large scree slope guided only by torch light to reach Pt. Lenana. It’s an exhilarating 3 hours from here to reach the hiker’s summit, Pt Lenana (4985m) in time for the sunrise!. A further 2 hours down to Shipton’s camp (4200m) for a hefty breakfast. Then down to OldMoses Camp 3340m. for overnight.

  • Day 5: Mountain Rock Lodge – Nairobi

    Hike to Sirimon gate (2,600m).approx 10kms / 2h. Descent : -740m Transfer to Nairobi via Mountain Rock lodge. (Span, 230kms / 4-5h). A short morning trek to Sirimon park gate (2600m) and connect with the vehicle for transfer back to Mountain Rock Lodge for a hot shower and lunch before the journey back to Nairobi.

Included in the Safari Cost

 All transportation to/from the mountain
 All Park fees.
 All food while on the Mountain/safari.
 Accommodation in mountain huts/ camping where applicable.
 All guiding services
 Porter support for the climb.
 Pick up from the Airport
 Services of our Professional Guide/Driver
 All game drives

Excluded in the Safari Cost

 Personal clothing and equipment
 Tips and gratuities for guides and porter
 Beverages while not on the mountain

Mountain Gear Check-List
  • A Rack sack For Your Equipments – To Be Carried By Porters | sleeping bag which is 3 or 4 season
  • Hiking, or Climbing Boots ,Camp Shoes, Trainers Not Sandals
  • Socks. 2 Thin Polypro Type For Quick Drying, 4 Thick Wind Pants, Wind shirts
  • High Gaiters, Warm Pants [Fleece], Jacket Or Pullover, 1 Rain Parka
  • 2 Underwears,1 Hiking Shirt, Long Sleeve, 1 Bandanna
  • 1 Warm Hat, 1 Hiking Shorts, Pants ,Balaclava, Fleece Neck Warmer
  • Headlamp, Bulb, Batteries, First Aid Kit, Pocketknife ,Sunglasses, Snow
  • Goggles ,Water Purification Tablets
  • Toiletry Item, Plus Sunblock, Lipsalve And Moisturizer
  • Walking Stick

TECHNICAL CLIMBING GEAR FOR NELION AND BATIAN PEAKS

The weather can vary hugely but commonly you would climb in quite a few layers. For example a base layer, insulated Gilet, softshell jacket, hardshell jacket, thin softshell trousers, hat under your helmet, liner socks inside your climbing shoes and possibly close-fitting fingerless gloves. You may also need a warm belay jacket at stances.

CLIMBING HARDWARE

  • Pair of 50m half or twin ropes
  • Climbing Harness
  • Helmet (& warm hat/balaclava to fit under it)
  • Rock shoes (recommended not to have too tight a fit and consider wearing thin socks inside)
  • Belay/rappel plate to suit double rope above
  • 3 HMS Karabiners
  • 2 locking Karabinas
  • 4+ short slings
  • 2x Prussic loops
  • Nuts/wires size 1-9
  • Cams size approx 0.5, 1.5, 2.5 (more if you have them) to suit cracks approx 20-50mm wide
  • 5 long quickdraws/extenders with snap gates
  • Small (~25L) climbing pack – Large enough for a spare warm belay jacket, gloves/mitts, emergency bivvy/blizzard bag, ~1 Litre of water, sweets, chocolate, camera.
Cost of Safari:

The cost of this safari will vary depending on date of travel, type of accommodation, transport mode and number of people on the safari.

Please contact us on email info@sunstripafricasafaris.com or phone (+254) 713 557 958 and we shall get back to you within the shortest time possible.

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