KENYA SAFARIS AND HOLIDAYS

Up Sirimon, down Chogoria Mount Kenya Climbing

2012 SAFARI SEASON	Per Person Sharing	Single Room Supplement
PEAK SEASON: 23 December to 02 January 01 February to 28 February 01 July to 31 October	450	N/A
HIGH SEASON: 01 November to 22 December 03 January to 31 January 01 March to 09 April 01 June to 30 June	450	N/A
LOW SEASON: 10 April to 31 May	450	N/A

Africa's second highest mountain- Mount Kenya at 5,199m forms part of the central highlands and is a very complex mountain. It has more than one peak, many rock spires and summits. Of the three main peaks (Batian, Nelion and Lenana) only Point Lenana can be reached by trekkers, the other two being only for technical climbers. Although Mount Kenya can be climbed all year round, it is best to avoid the two rainy seasons from mid-March until May and from late November to the mid December. After the cultivated farmlands on the lower slopes, the trails pass through the rain forest, rich in trees of many species but noticeably camphor's, then onto a bamboo zone growing to heights of more than 12 metres. Climb up through open moorland before reaching the moonscape of the higher slopes. Mount Kenya's forest are rich in wildlife including elephant, buffalo and monkeys with even the moorlands offering many species of mammals including the rock hyrax, the closest living relative of the elephant.

5 DAYS-Sirimon route down through Chogoria Mount Kenya Climbing Safari

Day 1. Nairobi to Nanyuki

Depart Nairobi mid morning for Nanyuki arriving in time for lunch. The afternoon is spent in this area for acclimatization. Dinner and overnight in a budget hotel.
Day 2. Old Moses Camp Mount Kenya
After breakfast, drive to Mount Kenya's Sirimon Park Gate. After check-in start hiking through the Rain Forest for 9 km to Old Moses camp (3300m) for dinner and overnight .
Day 3. Shipton Camp
Depart Old Moses Camp at 7:30 am via Mackinders Valley to Shipton Camp (4200m). The distance takes 6 to 7 hrs. Dinner and overnight at Shipton Camp.
Day 4.Point Lenana- Chogoria
Depart early in the morning (3:00 am) from Shipton Camp for the summit, a walk that takes 3 hrs to point Lenana (4985m) arriving at 6:30 in the morning. After sunrise, descend to Mintos Hut for full breakfast and later proceed down through the Gorges valley to Chogoria Bandas and campsite for dinner and overnight.
Day 5. Chogoria/Nairobi
After breakfast, set on a morning journey to Chogoria (32km). 4 WD vehicles are provided but during bad weather, climbers may have to walk some distance as vehicles may not reach the Bandas. From Chogoria transport is provided back to Nairobi, arriving late afternoon.