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ACMK4A:
'The Seasoned Hiker's Choice' (7 Days / 6 Nights)
(Mt. Kenya Climb Trekking Up Sirimon, Down
Chogoria) |
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| Mount Kenya is one
of the most scenic volcanic mountains in the world. The
main features of Mt. Kenya include steep volcanic cliffs
and gorges, tarns, picturesque valleys, outcropped ridges
and cols that were formed by the cooling lava and subsequent
glacial erosion. The best way to appreciate nature is to
experience it. For Mount Kenya, the best way to experience
its awesome beauty is to climb it. An extinct volcano which
last erupted about 3.5 million years ago. Mount Kenya rises
to an altitude of 5,199 (17,058 feet) making it the highest
mountain in Kenya and the second highest in Africa only
second to Kilimanjaro. Any climb to the highest peak, Point
Lenana, has never been an easy one. A steep pre-dawn ascent
to the summit is both difficult and tiring but awe-inspiring.
You walk on rugged topography and scree slopes. That is
why "its conquest" brings with it a sense of achievement
and satisfaction. Learn
More > |
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| Mt.
Kenya Climbing Itinerary: 7 Days / 6 Nights |
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Has a peak circumnavigation
option. This trek uses the gentlest ascent trail on the
mountain, our own huts and an additional acclimatisation
day at 4,200m. It allows you explore the contrasting and
spectacular scenery of Mt. Kenya. Passing up through montane
forest, bamboo and heather zones we follow the Mackinder
Valley with its profound vegetation of giant groundsel and
lobelias. The 3 million-year-old volcano has been eroded
by ice and glaciers to produce spectacular chasms, jagged
peaks and the "U" shaped valleys and waterfalls
of geography textbooks. On this trek you combine use of
huts with camping. It also includes two nights at our Base
Lodge ahead of the trek in which you participate in exhilarating
fitness activities that help you acclimatise and more importantly
your unique chance to interact with the local people who's
livelihood directly depends on the Mountain you are about
to tread on. Explore these and more on this trek.
Day 0: Nairobi - Mount Kenya (Acclimatization)
An optional day ahead of the mountain trek spent at the
Base lodge (2000m) for preparations and acclimatization.
This pre-hike day is excluded in our all inclusive trip
option. Those whose itinerary includes this day are advised
to arrive at the Lodge in time for lunch in order to have
the rest of the afternoon to participate in fitness activities
that help with acclimatization. Dinner and
Overnight at Mountain Rock Lodge
Day 1:
Nairobi - Mountain Rock Lodge (Mount Kenya)
Transfer from Nairobi to Mount Rock Lodge for lunch. In
the afternoon is a 3-4 hours nature walk through the forest
reserve to Mau Mau caves, the former base for Kenya's
freedom fighters. As you hike you learn about plants,
birds and animals found in the forest from the escort
naturalist guide. A traditional dance performance can
also be arranged at the lodge after dinner to liven up
the evening.
Day 2:
Mountain Rock Lodge-Old Moses Camp (3300m)
Vehicle transfer to the mountain soon after breakfast
together with the guide and porters. The drive to Sirimon
Park gate (2600m) takes less than 2 hours. En route to
the mountain you could have a brief stopover at the equator
crossing. After completion of park entry formalities and
lunch, you begin a 3-4 hour hike from 2600m through montane
forest, bamboo, rosewood and heather zones to Old Moses
camp (3300m). The forest and bamboo are home to hundreds
of Buffaloes, Elephants, Bushbucks and a plethora of bird
species.
Day 3:
Old Moses Camp-Shipton's Camp (4200m)
After an early breakfast at 0700hrs, commence a 6-7 hours
trek up the sprawling moorland destined for the Shipton's
hut (4200m). The hike is awesome with unique moorland
plants and fascinating views but is also a test for individual
endurance on the mountain. You gain good acclimatisation
as you cover an altitude difference of 900m. Lunch stop
is at a convenient spot within the Mackinder valley.
Day 4:
Shipton's Camp (4200m)
Two alternative activities are possible today, those wishing
to take it easy stay at Shiptons or go on short acclimatisation
walk to the peak area and return to the Shiptons hut.
In this case hot lunch is served at the Shipton's. The
more enthusiastic hikers have the option of shifting camp
by trekking round the peaks following the peak circuit
trail in the anti-clockwise direction. The trek offers
you an opportunity to explore the high peaks from different
angles. Those taking this option leave the camp at 0800hrs
and hike up and down steep scree slopes and rocks for
5-6 hours to American camp (4400m). Picnic lunch is served
en route.
Day 5:
Shipton's Camp-Point Lenana-Mintos Campsite (4300m)
Predawn start for the summit. Hike 785m to Pt. Lenana
(4,985m), the hikers summit, arriving there in time to
see the African sunrise. While at Pt. Lenana you get a
close unobstructed view of Pt. Nelion (5188m), Pt. Batian
(5199m) and other surrounding peaks and on a clear day
the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro can be seen protruding from
the sky over 340km to the south. After the summit conquer
descend to Mintos/Hall tarn campsite (4,300m) for breakfast
then relax for the rest of the day. Interested persons
can explore the Gorges valley from here after and take
advantage of the fascinating scenery which includes the
Gorges Valley, the Temple and L. Michaelson.
Day 6:
Mintos Campsite-Meru Mount Kenya Lodge/Campsite (3000m)
After breakfast, begin a 5-6 hour descent to Meru Mount
Kenya cabins situated next to the Chogoria Park gate (3,000m).
The descent is gentle and it offers ample time to enjoy
the gorgeous landmarks on the lower gorges valley including
Vivienne falls, Nithi falls, mushroom rocks and an array
of interesting mountain plants. Today you have a chance
to clean up and relax at the Meru Mt. Kenya Lodge.
Day 7:
Meru Mount Kenya Lodge/Campsite-Nairobi
After breakfast gradually descent through the Chogoria
rain Forest to have an opportunity to explore the bamboo
and lush montane forest belts before boarding on to the
vehicle for the return journey. Expected time of arrival
in Nairobi is1700hrs. Picnic lunch is served en route.
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| PRICE
GUIDE: 2008-2009
(Kenya Travel Planner) |
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NO.
OF
PAX
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PER
PERSON
SHARING TENT
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SINGLE
TENT
SUPPLEMENT
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EXTRA
NIGHT
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2-4
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USD
1195
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USD
240
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USD
175
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5-8
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USD
1145
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USD
240
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USD
175
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8-12
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USD
1075
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USD
240
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USD
175
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15+
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USD
1025
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USD
240
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USD
175
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ABBREVIATION
KEY: NO. Of Pax =
NO. Of Participants, USD =
U.S. Dollar
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| INCLUDED
In The Mt. Kenya Climbing
Price |
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Transport in a 9-seater safari minibus (Nairobi - Mt. Kenya
- Nairobi)
All park entrance fees to the mountain
All campsite ground fees
All campsite equipment
Roomy two-person tents where there are not permanent huts
Foam mattresses in the tents / huts
Benches / Simple Tables and Chairs
Three well-balanced hot meals a day
All government taxes and levies where applicable
Temporary Membership to AMREF's Flying Doctors & Rescue
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| EXCLUDED
In The Mt. Kenya Climbing Price |
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International airfares
Travel Insurance and Personal Accident Cover (Highly
Recommended)
Tourist Entry VISA fees to the specific country
Accommodation whist in Nairobi before of after Mt. Kenya
Trekking
Climbing gears, sleeping bags and all items of personal
use
All expenditure of personal nature such as telephone calls
and laundry
Tips and gratuities to driver guides, porters, or hotel
staff. |
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| ADDITIONALS:
Other
Optional Items You Need To Bring |
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General
Items & Notes:
The pack that the porters carry is limited to 15 kg (35
pounds)
Overweight or extra luggage will require an extra porter
at $5/day
Store electronics in sealed water-proof bags
Wrap clothing in plastic bags
In the day pack, take along water, sunglasses, camera, binoculars,
rain pants and jacket at a minimum. Add any other items
you might need during the day because you may not see the
porters until the end of your trek for that day.
You may want to bring some older items of warm clothing
as gifts for your guides and porters or donations to the
Mt. Kenya Porters Society
Extra luggage can be left at the base hotel for no charge.
Valuables can also be left in a safe deposit box at the
base hotel ($1/day).
Mountain
Climbing Baggage
Day pack, for you to carry
Large duffel bag or backpack, for porters to carry
Plastic bags
Clothing
for Mountain Climbing
You want your inner layer to be wicking -- no cotton. Next
layer should be insulating and warm, and the top layer should
be water proof but breathable. You will need clothes for
hiking during the day, lounging in the evening, and for
sleeping. Layers are important as temperatures vary greatly.
Mt. Kenya may be on the equator, but it gets cold up there!
Shorts, for first and last day only
Pants, for hiking and for lounging in the evenings
Short-sleeved or t-shirts
Long-sleeved shirts, for hiking and for lounging in the
evenings
Long underwear
Fleece jacket or wool sweater
Fleece pants
Down jacket or ski parka (for temperatures well below freezing
plus wind)
Rain jacket, needed in hot rainforest and cold snow
Warm Underwear
Sport bras, for women
Cold Heights
Mountain Climbing Accessories
Mittens and/or gloves (waterproof, one thin pair, one thick
pair that can be layered)
Wool or pile hat
Balaclava or neck gaitor
Hand and foot warmers (chemical activated)
Mountain
Climbing Footware
Be sure to break in your shoes before the hike!
Trekking shoes for hiking during the day, preferrably warm,
waterproof, and with ankle-support -- not too light and
not too heavy
Tennis shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening
Gaitors
Hiking socks for warmer conditions
Wool socks for colder conditions
Sock liners to wick away moisture
Sleep Gear for Hikers / Climbers
Sleeping bag (Rated -10 degrees F/-25 degrees C or colder
is recommended)
Sleeping pad and repair kit
Tents are supplied by AfriChoice! at no charge
Foam sleeping pads are provided by AfriChoice! at no charge
(Thermarest is highly recommended, however) |
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| Further
Information and Getting Started... |
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| We would be happiest
to hear from you. Our dedicated Mountain Trekking Department
will only be too glad to put together a package especially
for you, your group or your family. Your safari consultant
will always be at your assistance in all stages of planning
your Mount Kenya Trekking Safari in Kenya, East Africa.
For more information regarding Kenya Mountain Climbing Adventures
or wildlife safaris, feel free to contact us. We shall listen
and endeavour to provide for trekking needs. For more information
feel free to Contact
Us > |
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